Zivhu launches model rural homestead

Businessman and philanthropist, Killer Zivhu has built a model rural homestead in Chivi which he said must be the way for economically empowering people in the rural areas.

The homestead which must also be an example for an appropriate approach by the rural people to Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Social and Economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) was commissioned by the Minister of State for Masvingo, Shuvai Mahofa.

Hundreds of people including senior Zanu PF political politicians, Jonathan Gapare, Police Assistant Commissioner Gedion Baloyi, Chivi South MP Mafios Vutete, acting Zanu PF provincial chairman Paradzai Chakona and all Chivi Rural District councillors attended the ceremony held at the homestead on Saturday.

The homestead is at Gomana Village under Chief Gororo in Chivi and it is also a few kilometres from Ngundu Business Center along Masvingo Ngundu Road.

The homestead is a commercial entity on its own with numerous income generating projects running hence a model for ZIMASSET.

The homestead which sits on a 5 hectare piece of land and in the middle of a rural village is lit with tower lights. It has fish ponds where people can go fishing and has a spacious and beautiful wedding venue.

Also remarkable about the homestead is a massive irrigation scheme that uses borehole water and this is what feeds into the fish ponds and is used to irrigate the ever-green fields at the home.

Currently there is a thriving maize crop in the field.

Zivhu said in addition to weddings, the home can also be used for church crusades.

In essence the home generates immense revenue.

"I have decided to lead by example through the construction of this multipurpose homestead which is open to anybody who wants to hold functions. ZIMASSET has to start from the village not from the top so that we appreciate it.

"We are the assets of this country and we must prove that through hard work.

"We must demystify ZIMASSET by bringing it down to the village level for all to be part of it," said Zivhu at the official commissioning of the homestead.

Zivhu said the homestead was built in a period of six months and villagers provided most of the labour as a way of creating employment for the community. There are 10 water tanks and a gazebo that can accommodate 200 people.

"Those who tour as couples can do their fishing without interfering with my core home hence the erection of this perimeter wall to protect my family from the main homestead," said Zivhu.

Mahofa praised Zivhu for demystifying ZIMASSET and bringing development to the rural communities.