29/04/2026
Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council Hands Over Chizengeni Village Business Unit, Advancing Rural Development and Water Sustainability
The Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC) successfully handed over the Chizengeni Village Business Unit to the Chizengeni Community on Tuesday, marking another significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to sustainable water resources management and rural socio-economic transformation.
The handover ceremony brought together government officials, traditional leaders, technical experts, community representatives and key stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to leveraging water resources for improved livelihoods and climate resilience.
Speaking during the ceremony, the UMSCC Vice Chairman, Cde. Endy Mhlanga emphasized the strategic importance of the project, describing it as a model for sustainable rural development.
“Today we stand proud as we hand over this Village Business Unit to the Chizengeni Community,” he said.
“Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council facilitated this project from the drilling of the borehole, installation of a solar-powered drip irrigation system on a 1-hectare garden and securing the garden. Additionally, a fishpond to enable fish farming was also installed.”
He highlighted that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure development, positioning it as a long-term investment aligned with national development priorities.
“This Village Business Unit represents the leader in sustainable water management that we strive to be.
“Our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030,” he noted.
“This project is not just an act of charity; it is a strategic investment in rural industrialization.”
The Chairman further underscored the role of renewable energy in enhancing sustainability.
“By utilizing solar power for the borehole, we have ensured that this garden is resilient against power cuts, utilizing green and renewable energy which is environmentally friendly,” he said.
Encouraging the community, he added: “I am particularly encouraged to hear that you are already seeing profits, seeing these rows of beans and the income they generate for your households is the ultimate performance metric for us.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of unity and responsibility: “Let’s all strive to stand united in making this project great. The security of the equipment is of great importance, let this project be a model for the rest of the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment. Together, we are securing our water future, one garden at a time.”
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director of Water Resources Development, Engineer Kudakwashe Kayirasora, reinforced the central role of water in national development.
“Allow me to begin by reflecting on our national development aspiration under Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy,” he said.
“Among these resources, water remains one of the most critical drivers of development, food security, and rural economic growth.”
He described the handover as a critical milestone in community empowerment.
“Today’s handover of this Village Business Unit in Chihota is therefore a very important milestone.
“It demonstrates how water resources can be used to improve livelihoods and strengthen rural economies,” he said, commending UMSCC for its continued support of community-based initiatives.
Engineer Kayirasora also highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in achieving sustainable outcomes.
“The project we are witnessing today reflects the importance of these institutions working together with communities to translate water resources into tangible development outcomes,” he noted.
Recognizing the efforts of the local community, he praised their early successes.
“It is encouraging to hear that the community has successfully harvested the first crop and is now preparing to harvest the second crop,” he said.
“This clearly shows commitment, organization and willingness to make productive use of this investment.”
However, he cautioned that long-term success depends on sustainability and responsible management.
“The success of this Village Business Unit will ultimately depend on sustainability, community ownership and responsible management will be key to ensuring that this initiative continues to improve livelihoods for many years to come,” he said.
“As we hand over this facility today, let us remember that this is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a long-term commitment to productivity, cooperation, and sustainable water use,” he concluded.
The Chizengeni Village Business Unit stands as a practical example of how integrated water resource management, renewable energy, and community participation can drive rural industrialization, enhance food security, and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
