by Staff reporter
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to improving the people’s livelihoods as it seeks to attain vision 2030.
Addressing thousands of delegates gathered at Tongaat Hulett Kilimanjaro project site in Chiredzi yesterday, President Mnangagwa indicated that the Government was working tirelessly to develop rural communities and implement devolution as enshrined in the Constitution.
"I commend the efforts being made by Tongaat Hulett in expanding the agricultural sector which is the backbone of our economy.
"The Kilimanjaro project is one of the giant agricultural projects in the country which will see about 3 000 people getting employed. Already 25 000 people are working at Tongaat Hulett and many more are expected to benefit," said President Mnangagwa
During the same address, he slammed the squabbles in land ownership between Tongaat Hulett and the locals. President Mnangagwa clarified that the Government was in control of State land and no one should claim ownership.
"If anyone wants to use land, let him come through the Government and apply for a 99year lease. Tongaat Hulett is doing a great job of clearing land which will be allocated to the locals," clarified President Mnangagwa.
Speaking at the same occasion, Tongaat Hulett CEO, Gavin Hudson reiterated that the Kilimanjaro project will be managed by the Lowveld Sugarcane Development Trust.
"The trust will equip local farmers with skills to produce sugarcane at the same time improving the livelihoods of the locals," explained Hudson
Hudson further indicated that the project received a lot of support from the Government, heads of financial institutions and the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe. He commended Government for ensuring the protection of property rights.
"We want to hand over this project to the Government in the next 12months. We will be working to exploit about 12 000 hectares of virgin land for the benefit of the locals and increase in sugarcane production. Already 1 400 hectares are ready for plantations," said Hudson.
Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Water Climate and Rural Settlement, Rtd Air Marshal Perence Shiri articulated that the Kilimanjaro project is projected to produce about 8 000tones per hectare.
"The project was a response to the call by locals that they want to be actively involved in sugarcane production to stimulate economic growth. We encourage people to utilise the land when they are allocated," said minister Shiri.
In his brief address, minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira expressed that Tongaat Hulett was responding to the call by President Mnangagwa to transform the livelihoods of the local people.
"Masvingo province is positioned to become the bread basket of the nation. The province will also embark on power generation project at major dams,” said minister Chadzamira.
