THERESA ZIBOWA
MIRROR REPORTER

CHIRUMANZU—At least 800 families are expected to benefit from the recently commissioned Holy Cross Dam in Chirumhanzu through irrigations, fisheries and ecotourism, President Emerson Mnangagwa has said.
He told thousands who gathered when he commissioned the dam two weeks ago that the dam would improve villagers livelihoods.
Mnangagwa also said that the dam will supply water to Holy Cross Mission schools and the surrounding community.
“Over 800 villagers are already benefitting directly from the dam as they are engaged in wheat farming, aquaculture and horticultural gardens and also the community will be benefiting from the establishment of lodges and a conference center which is expected to attract tourism and business opportunities.
“The reconstructed dam will provide water for a 400-hectare irrigation scheme thereby supporting the horticulture sector and contributing to national growth,” he said.
The dam collapsed in 2007 and it was rebuilt through the Government, the Roman Catholic Church, local legislator and Minister of Environment Barbra Rwodzi and the local community.
The church was represented by its Gweru Diocese head Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro.
Mnangagwa said the reconstruction of the dam was to honour heroes who as the late Leopold Takawira who hailed from Chirumhanzu.
“The reconstruction of Holy Cross is a way of honoring and paying tribute to heroes like Takawira who played a pivotal in the liberation struggle in Chirumhanzu.
“I also urge students to acquire productive education that produces products and education that gives back to the community,” said Mnangagwa.
Bishop Nyandoro applauded Government for the project that will benefit the local communities and the church’s mission.
“We are grateful for this development which will bring prosperity to the people of Chirumhanzu. I also want to thank MP Rwodzi for sourcing funds for the construction of the dam,” said Bishop Nyandoro.