Mnangagwa commissions the 42km Mtshabezi pipeline

Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned the 42km Mtshabezi pipeline, revealing that Government had secured US$30 million from Belarus for dam construction equipment.

The over US$23 million Mtshabezi Pipeline Project has eased Bulawayo's perennial water woes, increasing supply to the city by close to 20 percent.

At Mtshabezi Dam site in Matabeleland South yesterday, VP Mnangagwa said the project represented a landmark in Government's efforts to address Bulawayo's water shortages.

He reiterated Government's commitment to the constitutional right of access to clean water, adding that completion of the Matshabezi project was a major milestone in Zim-Asset's success.

VP Mnangagwa said the 10-Point Economic Growth Plan reaffirmed Government's commitment to setting up and revitalising water, energy and ICT infrastructure.

Outlining several Government projects at different stages of construction, the VP said development of water infrastructure would go a long way to mitigating the effects of drought and climate change.

"Being mindful of the crucial role agriculture plays in our country, it is our hope and belief that part of the water infrastructure that we have put in place shall contribute to the improvement of agriculture in the country.

"The infrastructure will go a long way in helping the country in mitigating the effects of droughts and climate change," he said.

VP Mnangagwa said Government had allocated US$30 million to Zinwa for dam construction equipment.

"Because of the current situation where the weather is changing we ask the ministry of Environment, Water and Climate to make sure we harvest as much water as possible and not allow our water just to run and go to the sea.

"This is why when I was sent to Belarus by the President, where we got some line of credit, the President insisted that I must talk to Zinwa to hear what they want to be able to make more dams and for that reason we have allocated them US$30 million to make dams," he said.

VP Mnangagwa urged Umzingwane villagers to take advantage of the pipeline and start irrigation schemes to improve food security.

The pipeline has seven off-take points along the way which allow locals to access water from the dam.

VP Mnangagwa reassured people that no one in the country would starve as Government had secured enough grain for food aid in drought-stricken areas.

"We have enough stocks of food in the country. We tied down up to 50 000 tonnes of maize from Zambia and so far 16 000 tonnes have come in and are at our Bulawayo silos.

"Internally in our silos we have more than 162 000 tonnes of maize. So we have enough maize to take us over the period and we are still acquiring more maize, so there is no need for anyone to starve," said the VP.

Environment Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri paid tribute to all who contributed to successful completion of the Mtshabezi project, and reiterated commitment to providing adequate, clean water to all communities.