President Mnangagwa to Commission US$4.5m Romsley Irrigation Scheme

Everisto Zhuwao

His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa is set to officially commission the Romsley Irrigation Scheme in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s drive towards rural industrialisation.

The US$4.5 million project is a centerpiece of the government’s strategy to ensure national food security. Spanning 384 hectares, the scheme directly benefits 315 local farmers, notably including 97 youths who are being transitioned into commercial agriculture.

The technical overhaul of the scheme is extensive. Infrastructure upgrades include the installation of 24 state-of-the-art centre pivots, the construction of an 18-kilometre canal, and a new 8.2-kilometre power line to ensure a consistent energy supply.

These enhancements allow for year-round production, insulating local farmers against the effects of climate change.

“This is not just about farming; it is about creating a viable rural economy,” government officials noted ahead of the event. The project is expected to trigger a wave of job creation and significantly increase household incomes across the district.

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the scheme to 668 hectares, further cementing Makoni District’s role as a vital contributor to the national breadbasket.

The commissioning underscores a nationwide push to revitalise irrigation as a primary engine for economic growth and agricultural sovereignty.