INCREASE GUMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

CHIREDZI – Government has established a drought mitigation center in Chiredzi in Ward 32, one of the driest areas in that district.
The centre is to give relief to villagers and their cattle as water sources dry up.
The center which was unveiled by Patience Mawarire on behalf of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has a solarised borehole, drinking and feeding troughs, spray race and holding pens.
It also has 1h horticultural garden and 2 fishponds. Mawarire who is the District Development Co-ordinator (DDC) told guests during the event recently that such centres will be established in many other districts and there are 1 620 being planned.
She said ward 32 was picked in Chiredzi because it is one of the most affected wards in the district adding that the mitigation centre consists of village business unit model.
“The ward drought mitigation centre which we are launching today in ward 32 which will spread to many other districts,” said Mawarire. The unveiling follows the declaration of a national state of disaster by Mnangagwa on April 3, 2024 in response to Elnino induced drought.
While only 9 wards have been identified as distressed in Chiredzi, the ward drought mitigation centres will also be established in all the 32 wards. “ For Chiredzi we have ward 1, 3, 5, 8, 16,17, 24,26 and 32,”said Mawarire. Chiredzi District Agritex Officer (DAO), Tongayi Bodi said they will also use the centre to train farmers on producing cattle feed using local resources.
Ward 32 councillor who is also the Chiredzi Rural District Council Chairperson, Aspect Mashingaidze hailed the government for the initiative and said it came at a right time. An elated villager Miriam Nezungai applauded government for rescuing the community’s livestock . “I am happy for this intervention we were at the verge of losing our cattle,” said Nezungai.