The Sunday News
Sione Amidu, Sunday News Reporter
A TOTAL of 27 women from Ward 4 in Gwanda rural have benefited from solar powered nutritional gardens supported by the Brethren In Christ Church (BICC) – Compassionate and Development Services with funding assistance from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
The commissioning of the solar powered agricultural project was done last week at Ngonyama nutritional gardens, Manonkwe village under Councillor Lobukhosi Malila.
Speaking during the field day, acting district development coordinator Mr Paul Mashamba hailed the church for its efforts in the development of the community in response to the harsh climatic weather conditions.
“We deeply appreciate and commend all these efforts that are focused on community development.
This work by the donors in response to harsh climatic weathering conditions experienced in our district is valuable. I am sure we all note that climate change and its negative impact are heavily affecting us in our district, as such it is heart warning to see more of such projects being implemented within our district by development partners.
“On that note, there is need to adopt more sustainable and smart agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture.
These will help to conserve and put to maximum use the little rainwater we receive in our region. It is my desire that such watering technics may be scaled up as people adopt drip irrigation systems so as to conserve more water. In this light, l would like to implore BICC to improve the watering system donated to the community and install drip kits. This will also help ease the burden of carrying buckets especially by the elderly,” he added.
BICC Bishop Sindah Ngulube said locals should work together for the project to be a success.
“For development to take place there should be peace among the people, failure to do so there will be no development.
Brethren In Christ Church preaches the gospel of God as well as helping to build churches, hospitals and more. Jesus cared for the physical wellbeing of his congregates, likewise we are here following the work of the Lord. We are building schools and gardens to ensure the wellbeing of the children,” he said.
Gwanda District Agricultural Extension officer Ms Zimhlophe Ndlovu implored villagers to take good care of the solar, garden and the Jojo tank which were donated to them.
“I thank BICC-CD for fulfilling the cry of the people. The government of Zimbabwe states that no one should die of hunger and every community should progress in terms of social development. Last year the government introduced a programme called Intwasa which encourages everyone to farm in their small pieces of land to sustain their families.
“The government is again emphasizing the opening of irrigations for people to farm, harvest and sell the harvest. By the year 2030 every citizen should be in the middle class,” said Ms Ndlovu.
