By:Muifha Tshifhiwa
Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development led by honourable Dr Monica Mochadi had undertaken an oversight visit to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) in Collins Chabane, Thulamela and Musina municipalities, Vhembe District from 18 to 20 May 2022.
The move was to do the check and balance about the funded projects (through the department’s existing programmes) to ensure that budget and expenditure are aligned with the plans and operations of the respective projects.
The projects visited were Dovheni Irrigation Scheme, Madzivhandila College of Agriculture, Matsika Banana project, Nwanedi Packhouse and Foot and Mouth Redline areas (Matiyane, Ha- Lambani Redline gate, Muhuyu, Thengwe and Shakadza) and Nwanedi Packhouse.
The visit kicked-off at Matiyane dipping tank, the foot and mouth disease (FMD) affected area of Matiyane village in Collins Chabane Municipality. The committee engaged livestock farmers whose representative Simon Shirinda urged the erection and maintenance of redline fence. He said it will help separate their livestock mingling with African Buffalos that are believed to be the carrier of the FMD.
The committee commended the success story at both the 102-ha project of Matsika Banana, located in Matsika village and Nwanedi packhouse in Musina that service more than 300 farmers whose high value produce are packaged at the packhouse and sold via the establishment to national and international markets.
Honourable Simon Mathye appreciated the working relationship between LDARD and farmers as reference to the success of the projects. “It takes a zeal and commitment to see such massive projects thriving. Keep up the good work”.
Comprehensive report about matters of intervention will follow within three months of the visit.
