Touring irrigation schemes in Manicaland last week, she could not hide her disappointment at the manner in which the projects at Nyanyadzi, Cashel Valley and Rusitu had been neglected.
I was the one who opened these schemes five years ago, but I am saddened by the way they schemes have collapsed. Gone are the days when we would see tractors fully loaded with vegetables going to the market. Today, everything has collapsed,” she lamented.
Mujuru said the politicisation of development projects was impoverishing communities.
“I blame you politicians and the local leadership. Let us leave politics aside and put our focus on development issues. You are wasting a lot of time dressing each other down instead of talking of development. These irrigation schemes have a large bearing on the welfare of the people but you are derailing them through unnecessary politicking,” she said.
The local traditional leadership also expressed grave concerns over how the irrigation schemes had been politicized. Senior Zanu (PF) members, Munacho Mutezo and Samuel Undenge, were blamed for running down the irrigation schemes due to politics.
Headman Gudhlanga said: “I want to plead with you (Mujuru) to get down to the bottom of this issue. My people are starving yet we have irrigation schemes that have potential to sustain our lives.” The Gazaland Development Trust has been formed to revitalise the irrigation schemes and will be headed by former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor, Kombo Moyana, assisted by former ZESA boss, Sydney Gata.
Post published in: News