Staff Reporter
Residents of Gusha Village, in Murewa West constituency, are celebrating the establishment of a Village Business Unit (VBU), a Government initiative aimed at improving rural livelihoods as part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s holistic work towards attainment of Vision 2030.
This publication had an opportunity to tour the GushaVBU, yesterday, and established that it already employs 100 people. The VBU comprises a solar-powered borehole, four 5,000-litre water tanks, two fish ponds capable of holding 2,000 fish each, four community garden taps, a one-hectare drip irrigation garden, a cattle drinking bay, and a laundry bay with a washing line.
Ward 12 Councillor, Kondwakuenda Magaya, praised the development, highlighting its economic and social impact.
“This business unit aligns with Vision 2030, which aims to establish similar projects in all 35,000 villages across Zimbabwe. We currently occupy 1.1 hectares, and our agricultural projects are progressing well. We have green beans ready for the market, and our English cucumbers are at the flowering stage,” said CouncillorMagaya.
The initiative has also provided employment opportunities, reducing rural-to-urban migration occasioned by the need to acquire gainful employment. Magaya emphasized that youth involvement in the project has significantly curtailed drug and substance abuse, as well as gender-based violence.
“The community has gained empowerment through job creation. Youths who were previously idle are now engaged in productive activities, keeping them away from drugs and other social vices,” he said.
Village Head, Robert Zhanda, also applauded the initiative, stating that crime rates have dropped since the business unit was established.
“We are grateful for this development. People are now occupied with productive activities, and cases of drug abuse and domestic violence have significantly decreased. Even in my village court, I have noticed a sharp decline in such cases,” said Zhanda.
Community members, especially women, have also embraced the project, noting that it has improved their economic status and social well-being.
“We no longer sit idle or gossip. We are always busy at the garden from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The business unit has been a game-changer,” said one of the beneficiaries.
The legislator for Murewa West constituency, Hon. Farai Jere, highlighted to this publication that he was working to secure proper markets for the farm produce to ensure sustainability and profitability for the community.
The Gusha VBU is part of a broader national strategy by the Government to empower rural communities.
Under Vision 2030, the Government aims to establish a business unit in each of the country`s 35,000 villages to enhance food security, create employment, and promote economic self-sufficiency.
So far, several villages across the country have benefited from similar projects, which include irrigation schemes, poultry and fish farming, and value-addition initiatives. The Government, in collaboration with development partners, has also been providing funding, technical expertise, and market linkages to ensure the success of these units.
By implementing these initiatives, the Government seeks to uplift rural communities, reduce poverty, and contribute to the national economy through increased agricultural productivity and local enterprise development.
