Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga has expressed deep frustration over the state of the Bhulaayo Kraal agricultural project in Binga, describing it as a glaring example of mismanagement and the misuse of government resources meant to empower rural communities. His remarks came after a tour of the project on Wednesday, where he found widespread neglect, vandalism, and a clear lack of accountability among those tasked with implementing the initiative.
The Bhulaayo Kraal project was launched several years ago as part of the Government’s vision to promote sustainable rural development and inclusive economic participation. It was designed to cultivate 15,000 hectares of land, with the goal of transforming livelihoods, boosting food security, and improving income generation for thousands of families in Binga. However, Vice President Chiwenga’s inspection revealed that the project’s scope has been drastically reduced to a mere 400 hectares — a fraction of what was promised.
“What we have witnessed here today is extremely disappointing,” he said. “The condition of agricultural equipment is poor, and most of the centre pivot irrigation systems, which were delivered more than five years ago, have never been put to use. These are now deteriorating and exposed to vandalism. It is painful to see such valuable resources going to waste while our people continue to struggle.”
Chiwenga, who is known for his hands-on approach to agriculture, appeared visibly dismayed as he toured the site. What was meant to be a flagship model for rural empowerment has instead become a cautionary tale about poor oversight. On arrival, he found only a small section of the land under cultivation — a situation he said appeared to have been hastily prepared to deceive him about the project’s progress.
“It is clear that this small portion was cultivated just before my visit,” he remarked candidly. “This kind of deception is unacceptable. Government projects are meant to serve the people, not to impress officials during inspections.”
Originally designed to benefit thousands, the Bhulaayo Kraal project currently supports only about 250 individuals. Chiwenga lamented this shortfall, emphasizing that the initiative was meant to empower entire communities and create a sustainable legacy for future generations.
“Let us not fail our people,” he urged. “We must use these resources wisely so that they can serve as an inheritance for our children and grandchildren. This project must not die; it must fulfil its intended purpose within the framework of our national food systems and rural transformation agenda.”
His visit also uncovered disturbing signs of neglect, including large quantities of fertiliser left unprotected and decomposing in the open. The fertiliser, intended to boost productivity, had become unusable due to poor storage.
Chiwenga Expresses Disappointment Over Mismanaged Bhulaayo Kraal Project
“This is a clear waste of public resources,” he said sternly. “That fertiliser could have gone a long way in supporting smallholder farmers who are struggling with input shortages. Mismanagement like this must stop.”
Further inspection revealed damaged water pipes that were supposed to draw water from the Zambezi River and vandalised fencing wire meant to secure the fields. These issues, Chiwenga said, underscore a broader problem of negligence and lack of ownership among local administrators and beneficiaries.
In response, the Vice President called for a renewed commitment to accountability and community participation. He urged all stakeholders — from traditional leaders to government agencies and local farmers — to take collective responsibility for reviving the project.
“Government alone cannot make these projects succeed,” he said. “It requires unity of purpose. Communities must take ownership, protect what has been provided, and ensure these investments yield tangible benefits.”
Following his visit to Bhulaayo Kraal, Chiwenga also toured the Kamativi Lithium Mine, where he praised the progress made in revitalising the once-defunct operation. The mine, commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023, has transitioned from a historic tin producer into a major player in Zimbabwe’s emerging lithium industry.
“Lithium is at the heart of the global transition to clean energy,” Chiwenga noted. “It powers electric vehicles, smartphones, and renewable energy storage systems. As demand for lithium continues to grow worldwide, Zimbabwe must seize this opportunity by focusing on beneficiation and value addition.”
He acknowledged that fluctuating global market prices for lithium concentrate pose challenges but emphasised that the Kamativi project has already created local jobs and spurred economic activity in the surrounding communities.
“The future lies in adding value to our minerals rather than exporting raw materials,” he said. “By doing so, we not only create employment but also increase national revenue and strengthen our position in the global green economy.”
Chiwenga’s tour highlighted two contrasting realities: the wasted potential of the Bhulaayo Kraal agricultural project and the promising progress of the Kamativi Lithium Mine. His message was clear — Zimbabwe’s development goals depend on discipline, accountability, and community involvement.
“The success or failure of our national projects rests on the shoulders of every stakeholder,” he concluded. “We must protect public resources, ensure transparency, and work together to deliver the vision of a prosperous, self-reliant Zimbabwe.”
Source- Bulawayo24
