Rutendo Chirume

The Tugwi-Mukosi Combination Master Plan which is expected to improve agricultural productivity in Chivi district and neighbouring areas, is yet to be gazetted almost eight years after the dam was commissioned in 2017.

Masvingo Provincial Permanent Secretary Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa told EnviroPress that the Master Plan awaited gazetting according to the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.

He said at the November 19, 2024 Post Cabinet Briefing, Vice President Vice President Constantino Chiwenga had directed that finalisation of the plan be expedited.

“Cabinet has approved the Master Plan and we are on the next stage where the Ministry of Local Government, as the responsible authority, will ensure that the plan is gazetted and given out to the public for scrutiny and familiarisation as required by the law,” said Dr. Pazvakavambwa.

On why the process was taking that long, he said due process demanded that things be done to the dot so that the final product could meet expectations.

“I am positive that we are on the right track and following the right procedures. There are a lot of opportunities brought forward by this comprehensive plan, but I will not jump the gun because it will be available for the public to analyse,” said Dr. Pazvakavambwa.

Post Cabinet Briefing minutes dated November 19 called the Department of the Cabinet Committee on Food Security and Nutrition to expedite the process.

“Cabinet directed that the implementation of the afore-mentioned Master Plan be expedited under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in his capacity as deputy chairman of the project to gain the necessary traction. This is also because most issues relate to land, water, fisheries and related developments,” read part of the minutes.

 It is projected that full implementation of the master plan will see Masvingo province progressively increasing its irrigable land from 51 337 hectares in 2021 to over 90 000 hectares by the year 2025.