Staff Reporter

Residents of Gutu South constituency have commended Government-led empowerment initiatives introduced under the Second Republic, crediting local Member of Parliament, Pupurai Togarepi, for facilitating projects that have transformed livelihoods in the area.

Significant strides have been made through agricultural and income-generating programmes, including livestock projects, such as goat keeping, pig farming, and poultry production.

Beneficiaries have received goats, pigs, and chickens, enabling them to launch sustainable businesses that have boosted local economic activity.

Speaking to this publication yesterday, Chagwiza Primary School head, Tobaiwa Musendekwa, highlighted the tangible impacts of these initiatives on his institution.

“We received pigs, goats, and chickens, enabling us to start profitable ventures. Moreover, we now have electricity thanks to the installation of a 3Kv solar system, all facilitated by Honourable Togarepi,” said Musendekwa.

Community residents have also formed collective groups, significantly benefiting from poultry projects.

Ketula Murambi, a local resident, noted how these initiatives had directly improved living standards.

“Organised into small groups of ten, each group was given chickens and feed to establish poultry projects. Through these activities, we have managed to pay school fees and support our families sustainably,” Murambi said.

In addition to livestock programmes, agricultural support through the Presidential Input Scheme contributed to enhanced productivity this farming season.

 Ishmael Matopa, a farmer from Gusha Village, acknowledged the timely assistance provided.

“We received agricultural inputs on time, resulting in improved yields. Good rains further increased our harvests, ensuring food security this year,” Matopa explained.

Despite the overall success, some farmers faced challenges due to excessive rainfall affecting crops grown in wetlands (matoro).

“A few farmers lost their crops in wetlands, but generally, it has been a successful season,” Matopa added.

Ongoing Government empowerment programmes continue to bolster economic stability and optimism in Gutu South constituency, with residents anticipating further growth and opportunities for self-reliance.