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VP Phelekezela Mphoko

Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
MATABELELAND North Province has started mobilising equipment in preparation for the implementation of the Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga.

Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko visited the project last week and ordered Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister, Cde Cain Mathema, to mobilise graders from all districts in the province to start clearing the 250 hectares earmarked for the first phase of the project.

Each of the seven districts, Binga, Bubi, Hwange, Lupane, Nkayi, Tsholotsho and Umguza, will release a grader each for the project.

The multi-million dollar project, which had been failing to take off due to funding challenges since 2004 when it was initiated, should cover 15,000 hectares of land.

About $1,8 million is needed for the first phase. VP Mphoko, during his visit, said the irrigation scheme should be operational by end of the year without fail as it was key to the development of Binga.

Provincial Administrator Latiso Dlamini told The Chronicle yesterday that an SOS had been sent to all the seven districts to prepare graders to move to Binga.

The PA said the graders will be moved to Binga next week to begin work.

Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme, which should alleviate hunger and poverty in Binga district and beyond, is earmarked for sugarcane, sugar beans, maize, bananas, wheat, soya beans, among other crops. VP Mphoko said some maize should be planted without fail this year on the 250 hectares.

It is one of the major projects for the province identified under Zim-Asset.

The irrigation will draw water from Lokola River and a pump station has been installed.

Binga district has 139,000 people and everyone is expected to benefit from the scheme.