ZANU-PF national political commissar Cde Webster Shamu has hailed progress made in setting up the Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga.

He expressed optimism the project will transform the lives of thousands of villagers in the area upon completion.

More than 2 500 households are expected to benefit from the first phase, which has been earmarked for horticultural activities.

He said the construction of the irrigation scheme had rekindled hope among villagers in the drought-prone area. Cde Shamu was speaking during a tour of the project in Binga on Saturday by the Zanu-PF political leadership and traditional leaders.

Cde Shamu was accompanied by Zimpapers board chairman, Dr Paul Chimedza, among other leaders.

The two-day visit was a follow up of the visit by Vice President Joice Mujuru late last year.

“This is a noble project whose completion will with no doubt, engender the much needed irrigation impetus that will propel Binga towards food self-sufficiency while also drastically altering the economic status of the province (Matabeleland North),” he said.

“You will be able to grow cash crops and have a say in the national economy. You should manage your own affairs.”

The irrigation project, which will cover more than 20 000 hectares, was started in 2002 but had been stalled by lack of funding.

Pipes have been laid down for the first phase covering 500 hectares and engineers are constructing a pump house.

Cde Shamu, who is also Media, Information and Publicity Minister, said Binga had “vast” irrigation potential, which could put the area at a “pinnacle” of agricultural productivity.

The irrigation scheme, he said, held the key to resuscitating the dormant agricultural sector in the area.

“When colonialists constructed Kariba Dam they just moved people and didn’t care about their future,” he said.

“Instead, they rescued the animals but Zanu-PF now wants to put human face to this belt along the shores of the lake and (Zambezi) River. What you only have to do is to be united and organised and this potential will come out.”

He said the project was a “harbinger” of good things to come for the Binga people from the revolutionary party.

“You have been struggling to shake off the curse of perennial food shortages and it is high time the party intensifies efforts to assist the Binga community,” he said.

“The party will continue to prioritise this project and more help is coming your way.”

Twalumba Holdings group chief executive chairman, Dr Nkululeko Sibanda, said the irrigation scheme would harness water for agrarian benefits.

“Agro industries would be established here and people will no longer be fishing only.

“This is economic independence for the people of Binga and we want to develop in all sectors of the economy such that we are masters of our destiny,” he said.

An official from the department of Irrigation, Mr Benjamin Mangwiro, said the first phase would be complete by year-end.