By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The government has unveiled plans to accelerate the implementation of the Lake Tugwi-Mukosi Combination Master Plan, a strategic initiative poised to enhance food security and stimulate economic development in Masvingo Province. The announcement was made by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere during a post-Cabinet media briefing on November 19, 2024.
The master plan is designed to significantly increase the irrigable land in Masvingo, projecting growth from 51,337 hectares in 2021 to over 90,000 hectares by 2025. This ambitious goal is part of a broader effort to strengthen the province’s capacity for agricultural production, ultimately aiming to bolster national food security.
The operationalization of the master plan will not only expand irrigable agricultural land but also tap into the vast tourism potential and fisheries within Masvingo, paving the way for numerous socio-economic infrastructure projects that align with our rural industrialization agenda and contribute to the country’s Vision 2030.
Developed under the guidance of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, the master plan seeks to leverage the economic potential of the Tugwi-Mukosi area. The initiative reflects the government’s acknowledgment of growing investor interest in the region, leading to its prioritization in Cabinet discussions.
Cabinet has directed that the implementation of the master plan be expedited under the leadership of the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. This is due to the critical interdependencies of land, water, and fisheries management in the successful development and operationalization of the project.
“This decision underscores the importance of the resources in question and our commitment to ensuring that the project gains the necessary momentum,” Muswere noted.
While specific timelines and detailed investment plans are yet to be announced, the government’s focus on expediting the master plan signals an urgent commitment to developing Masvingo’s agricultural capacity, boosting local economies, and promoting sustainable practices in food production.
As Zimbabwe works to navigate challenges in food security exacerbated by climate change and economic turbulence, the Lake Tugwi-Mukosi Combination Master Plan represents a significant step toward reinforcing the region’s agricultural and economic landscape.