August 9, 2012
Government requires US$4 million to build four new schools for nearly 3 000 families being relocated to pave way for the Tokwe-Murkosi Dam in Chivi South. Relocation of the families from the dam’s flood area has started with nearly 60 families having already been resettled in the Chisase area near Nuanetsi Ranch.
Government has struck a deal with the Development Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ) for 68 000 hectares of land at the vast ranch to relocate the families.
But Government will have to set up basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges and most importantly schools in the area where the families will be relocated.
Masvingo provincial administrator Mr Felix Chikovo yesterday said they urgently needed the money to build the four schools.
He said work on establishing basic infrastructure, especially schools, should start immediately.
“Now that the relocation of the families to pave way for Tokwe-Murkosi dam has started the most important thing is to make sure that there are schools in the area where they will be settled,” said Mr Chikovo.
The Government intends to build two new primary schools and two secondary schools in the area.
Mr Chikovo said the Chivi and Masvingo Rural district councils will also need Government financial assistance to craft a development plan for the Tokwe-Murkosi dam showing the recommended land uses around the dam.
He said the development plan by the two local authorities which share the Tokwe-Murkosi dam are not yet done owing to shortage of funds.
Mr Chikovo said the plan will have to be approved by the Department of Physical Planning first before designation of various land uses in the area around the dam.
Tokwe-Murkosi Dam is already 60 percent complete with work currently being concentrated on building five saddle dams.
The dam is expected to be completed by November next year.
Government requires US$19 million to relocate families from the Tokwe-Murkosi Dam flood area that straddles over 9 600 hectares.
A further US$9 million will be required to establish irrigation infrastructure to benefit the relocated families. The families insist they should benefit from what will be Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam.
Source: All Africa
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