Government has released funding for the rehabilitation of Makonese Dam, a year after heavy rains damaged the facility and disrupted irrigation activities that supported hundreds of households. The dam, located in the Denge area of Chivi North, previously irrigated more than 200 hectares of land and sustained about 720 households. Its destruction halted local irrigation schemes and negatively affected food production in this drought-prone district.
The rehabilitation programme aims to restore the dam’s full irrigation capacity while establishing 38 Village Business Units to expand community participation and strengthen rural economic resilience.
In an interview with this publication yesterday, Chivi North Legislator, Godfrey Mukungunugwa praised the initiative, emphasizing that it reflects Government’s commitment to rural transformation. He noted that rehabilitating the dam and establishing the 38 Village Business Units would significantly uplift an area long affected by dry conditions.
“Our President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is proving to be a listening leader committed to rural development. Just a year after the disaster, work to restore the dam has started, and the new Village Business Units will greatly improve the fortunes of this dry area,” he said.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) confirmed that assessments conducted after the dam’s destruction showed its vital role in irrigating over 200 hectares and sustaining 720 households.
RIDA Director, Sitshengiso Zivhare, noted that after the destruction of Makonese Dam, we conducted an assessment and committed to its rehabilitation. Besides restoring the dam, we will also establish Village Business Units. We have contracted Traversal Trading to carry out the work, and progress is already visible.
Local residents have welcomed the development, describing the dam as central to both food security and income generation.
“This dam has been very important to this community, sustaining many families. When it was destroyed, we were shot in the foot. We are happy that the Government has prioritised its rehabilitation, as our irrigation schemes will now be revived,” said one resident.
Another community member, Irene Ushe, highlighted that the establishment of Village Business Units will allow families who were not previously part of irrigation schemes to benefit, promoting inclusive development and creating employment opportunities.
Traversal Trading Executive Administrator, Esnath Mucheni, confirmed that work is underway.
“Our teams are on the ground, and we have already drilled boreholes as part of the rehabilitation process. We expect completion within the next eight to twelve months,” she said.
The full rehabilitation programme is set to be completed within two years. Through such projects, Government continues to rebuild critical rural infrastructure, boost food security, and enhance community resilience across Zimbabwe.
