Matobo community embarks on dam construction project
Innocent Mgutshini
MATOBO – Matobo Villagers in Natisa Ward 16, have pooled resources together in partnership with Ebenezer Agricultural Training Centre to build a dam.
The village lies on mountainous and rocky terrain that makes it so cumbersome for villagers to drill boreholes.
However, the defiant villagers, young and old are determined to change the status quo and have taken the bull by the horns to implement the project that has been a long time coming.
In an interview with Community Podium, Matobo North Member of Parliament, Honourable Edgar Moyo revealed that, for some years sustaining livelihoods based on wetland resources has proven to be very delicate. “As a wetland ecosystem degrades, the livelihoods of most rural poor people deteriorate hence a dam building project came at a right time to the right community,” he said.
” The White Water area in Matobo was well known for springs and streams that provided water for the whole year until they started to dry up. The degradation of the wetland significantly influenced the dwindling of livelihood options available to local households and subsequently worsened the plight of the poor rural villagers. As a result, the residents experienced food insecurity, water shortages (mostly during the dry season), loss of income, among other challenges,” added the legislator.
Hon. Moyo extended profuse gratitude to Ebenezer’s Peter Cunningham and JR Goddart, a contractor, for their benevolence towards the dam construction.
” I want to give credit to Mr Peter Cunningham and J.R.Goddart who have assisted the community by donating significant materials and machinery needed for the construction. This will go a long way in boosting agricultural activities that are taking place within the vicinity of Natisa.
The villagers are involved in broiler and layers production projects in support of Hamara Bulawayo. This will be a shot in the arm for locals as they will get adequate water for domestic use, livestock and agricultural projects,” said Hon. Moyo
Speaking to this publication Ward 16 Councillor, Riflen Sibanda said the project is likely to thrive and transform lives in the ward and beyond.
“The rocky terrain and a water table that is very far from the surface has been our undoing since time immemorial. Our animals have had go for very long distances in search of water and that has led to loosening of the top soil and leaving it prone to soil erosion.
The project commenced in October 2021 and the 1st phase 2 metre wall is supposed to be complete by December 25 2021,” said Cllr Sibanda.
Trinity Khumalo, a youthful villager said the community is excited and working very hard for the success of the project that will bail them out of the water challenges.
” I have seen a dedicated community that has development at heart. The people of ward 16 are a determined people who have worked hand in hand with the Hamara team and eked out a living through poultry production in addition to massive crop production,” she said.
A prominent member of Natisa, Michael revealed that it took a long time for the project to start before the MP intervened by connecting the villagers with donors.
” We are happy now that we are experiencing progress in the dam construction and that the community is now active by way of providing labour. We are indeed united for a cause,” he added.
Upon completion the dam will service Shumbeshave village and Nduna primary school in ward 16 and ward 23 respectively.
