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Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
THE Government is already working on a number of development projects ahead of the completion of the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam in Masvingo, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Speaking to journalists after officiating at the graduation ceremony of 184 students at Mushandike College of Wildlife in Masvingo last Friday, the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said work at the dam was moving according to plan.

She said construction work is set to be completed by December.

“Cabinet is already seized with coming up with a development plan for the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam which is near completion. We do not have to wait for its completion in December in order to start planning, we have to start now so we will not be caught unawares,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She said there is a need to prepare for a massive irrigation project and Tongaat Hullet is one of the companies interested in the water from the dam as it will open sugarcane farms.

“We are already working with Tongaat Hullet on how best they will assist our people benefit from sugarcane farming. We want all those with interest to come forward as we look forward to addressing issues of food security not only in Masvingo but the country at large. Once completed the dam will have large volumes of water from which many people will benefit through fisheries, irrigation and a number of businesses,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.

The completion of the $250 million dam was delayed over payment challenges, but by the beginning of next year, people will be harnessing its water in a number of projects.

Once complete, the dam will transform the province into a green belt and sustain livelihoods through irrigation, tourism, fisheries, among other business ventures.

@walterbmswazie.