BY STAFF REPORTER 

The government has intensified efforts to contain a crop pest outbreak affecting parts of Matabeleland North Province, with enhanced control measures set to be rolled out this week.

According to ZBC News, a visit by its crew to Hwange District revealed widespread infestation, with several farmers reporting damage to early-stage crops, particularly traditional grains and sunflower. Authorities say swift intervention is essential to prevent further losses and protect the current farming season.

Provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Acting Director, Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu, told ZBC News that government has moved quickly to assist affected farmers through the distribution of pesticides and the deployment of extension officers.

“We have noted with concern the infestation of crop pests, particularly on small grains and sunflower, mostly at the early stages of crop development. As Government, we have moved in and this week we are distributing pesticides to Tsholotsho, Binga and Hwange so that farmers can effectively control the pests and protect their crops,” he said.

Ndlovu added that extension officers are already on the ground working closely with farmers to ensure the correct application of chemicals and to assess the extent of the damage.

“We are optimistic that timely pest control and continued farmer participation will result in improved yields, enhanced household food security and the prospects of a bumper harvest in Matabeleland North Province,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Ndlovu urged farmers not to lose hope, encouraging them to replant where possible, as conditions remain favourable in most areas and support systems are in place.

The distribution of inputs and technical support forms part of ongoing Government efforts to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen household food security.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange Central constituency has finally received its long-awaited Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, marking the first disbursement since 2022, Member of Parliament for the area, Fortune Daniel Molokele, has confirmed.

In a statement, Molokele said an amount of ZiG 1.3 million was deposited last week into a special bank account set up exclusively to administer CDF funds for the constituency. The disbursement falls under the 2024 national budget, following confirmation from the Parliament of Zimbabwe that no CDF disbursement will be made under the 2023 national budget.

He further noted that there is still no clarity on when CDF allocations under the 2025 and 2026 national budgets will be released.

“With this development, our local CDF Committee will, during the coming week, initiate the process of rolling out the approved projects,” said Molokele.

Priority Wards and Projects

The initial phase of implementation will cover five wards, namely Wards 1, 4, 5, 6 and 14, with the remaining wards expected to benefit under the next CDF disbursement.

According to minutes from a public consultation meeting held on 13 April 2024 at St Ignatius Primary School in Hwange, the community unanimously prioritised solar-powered boreholes with JoJo tanks and fenced nutritional gardens as the flagship project for the 2024 CDF cycle.

The project is set to be implemented at the following locations:

• Ward 1: Chibondo
• Ward 4: Baghdad
• Ward 5: Empumalanga
• Ward 6: Phase Four
• Ward 14: Ngumija

Other proposals discussed at the meeting included the construction of an Advanced Level laboratory science facility at Nechilisa Secondary School and the refurbishment of Nengasha Stadium, but these were deferred in favour of addressing water and food security.

CDF Committee in Place

The public meeting also elected a new 2023–2028 CDF Committee, comprising:

• Alice Phiri (Trade Unions, Women and Local Communities)
• Luka Katako (Traditional Leaders and Faith-Based Leaders)
• Bryan Nyoni (Youth and Local Communities)
• Shonipai Muleya (Finance and Accounting)

Francisca Ncube was nominated as the National Assembly representative, while Teresa Kabondo will represent the constituency in the Senate.

The CDF bank account signatories and procurement committee members include Molokele, Luka Katako, Thulani Moyo and Alice Phiri.

Funding Clarifications

Although earlier discussions indicated that the 2024 allocation would include outstanding funds from 2023—bringing the total to an estimated USD100 000, to be disbursed in ZiG at the interbank rate—the Speaker of Parliament later clarified that the 2023 CDF allocation was no longer available.

“As a result, each constituency ended up receiving ZiG 1.3 million, which was meant to be equivalent to USD50 000,” Molokele explained, adding that the approved projects were subsequently endorsed by the relevant Parliamentary committee.

He also confirmed that no CDF proposals have yet been submitted for 2025 and 2026.

Residents seeking further information have been advised to contact CDF Committee Secretary Thulani Moyo on 078 648 3659.

Molokele said at least two public feedback meetings will be held once implementation begins, to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the funds.

BY STAFF REPORTER 

Two artisanal miners have died following the collapse of a flooded mine shaft at Cement Side in Umguza District, ZBC has reported.

The incident occurred early Tuesday morning after heavy water ingress caused the shaft to give way, trapping the two men underground.

When rescue teams arrived at the scene, officers from the Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services Department, assisted by local volunteers, were leading recovery efforts.

A survivor of the incident, Khulumani Nkomo, described the terrifying moments leading up to the collapse.

“We heard a loud cracking sound as we reached the ground, then water started rushing in. The two were behind us, and the shaft just closed, trapping the other one in the tunnel,” he said.

Nkomo added that attempts to rescue the trapped miners proved futile.

“We tried to dig with our hands and tools, but the water kept coming. By the time help arrived, it was already too late.”

A brother of one of the deceased miners said the family is struggling to cope with the loss, revealing that the victim was only 19 years old.