Irrigation project in Kavango kicks off

PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba inaugurated the long-awaited Ndonga Linena irrigation project 80 kilometres east of Rundu on Friday.

It was supposed to start with agricultural activities over six years ago and was de-bushed in 2003, with a water pump station already erected at the site. Physical development at the project site was put on hold for the past years because no suitable candidate to serve as service provider could be found. President Pohamba admitted in his keynote address that the Ndonga Linena agricultural project took too long to implement, although the Gciriku Traditional Authority made land available a long time ago and it was one of the first projects in Kavango identified by Government for its Green Scheme. ‘This project will aid in reducing dependency on food imports from other countries,’ the Head of State said.’Altogether 11 major agricultural projects are clear testimony to that.’Agriculture Deputy Minister Isak Katali said Government’s total investment towards Ndonga Linena N$71,5 million, while N$1 million was spent to compensate farmers who were relocated to make way for the project. ‘Some N$49 million was spent on clearing the land, as well as the construction of a water pump station and water supply lines,’ he said.Kasian Shiyambi of the Gciriku Traditional Authority welcomed the project because it provides employment. The project has houses to accommodate 29 small-scale farmers and has as a pilot irrigation system. A local business, Shikunino Trading Enterprise, is the service provider for the 800-hectare project.There are now six Green Scheme projects in the Kavango Region. The others are the Shadikongoro, Shitemo, Mashare, Uvhungu Vhungu and Musese projects.
– Nampa