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.

A total of US$25 million has been allocated to the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup over the next five years, with US$5 million per year set aside to support men’s, women’s, junior (U14 & U16), 5-A-Side, and beach football competitions.

Speaking at the tournament launch, Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasised inclusivity, saying: “No province, no district, no talent must be left behind.”

He welcomed the joint efforts between the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and ZIFA, noting that the collaboration will strengthen football within the education system.

“The inclusion of women’s football is crucial,” the President added, highlighting that the initiative will give girls in both rural and urban areas equal opportunities to develop their talents.

He encouraged the tournament to serve as a bridge connecting villages to cities and wished the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup every success in its mission to nurture football talent nationwide.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged senior ZANU-PF leaders to work harder and take a more active role in driving the country’s development agenda.

Speaking at the 390th Session of the Politburo in Harare, President Mnangagwa said the time for relaxed or passive leadership is over. He told members that they must take the lead in coming up with ideas that help grow the party and develop the nation.

“The Politburo members are expected to lead from the front as thought leaders who guide the generation of ideas to drive party growth and national development,” President Mnangagwa said.

He stressed that all party departments must focus on delivering real results and properly carrying out Government programmes, especially those under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the country’s current economic blueprint.

The President also reminded party officials to strictly follow the party constitution, saying discipline and regular meetings are key to success.

“Those who chair standing committees of the Central Committee should convene meetings in line with the party Constitution. This approach is central to the effective implementation of National Development Strategy 2,” he said.

President Mnangagwa further urged leaders to stop setting unclear goals and instead focus on specific, time-bound projects that bring visible results.

On the economy, he reaffirmed that ZANU-PF will continue guiding Government policies and implementing strong, people-focused programmes aimed at protecting citizens while growing Zimbabwe’s industries.

His message was clear: leaders must take responsibility, work efficiently, and ensure the country’s development plans are fully implemented.