Multi-million rand rural infrastructure projects launched at uMsinga KwaZulu-Natal
Rural infrastructure projects launched at uMsinga in KwaZulu-Natal’s Mzinyathi District Municipality yesterday (Saturday 8th November) are set to change thousands of lives.
The three projects of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform with a combined value of R70 - million were launched by President Jacob Zuma.
Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Mr Gugile Nkwinti joined President Zuma at the launch of the 726 ha Tugela Ferry Irrigation scheme located in Msinga approximately 50 kilometres north of Greytown.
Small scale farmers who mainly produce maize, sweet potato, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, dry beans, potatoes and onion are already deriving benefit from the scheme.
They are selling their produce grown using water from the scheme to the local markets.
The newly built Msinga Animal Auction Sales Yard where farmers will trade live stock was opened with a demonstration that included the sale of cattle and the branding and marking of goats.
The president also turned the sod on the 170-meter Mashunka and Ngubo bridge that will link residents of the villages of Mashunka and Ngubo to markets and social services facilities for the first time.
Construction of the R45 million bridge which is the result of a partnership between the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the Department of Transport is due to begin early next year.
Among the many benefits the construction of the bridge will bring, is that it will link the two disconnected communities by cutting about 30 kilometers of road travel dista nce and providing easy access to the nearest clinic. It will also provide access to markets for the trading of goods among the communities.
Minister Nkwinti told members of Msinga community that he was pleased to hand over the projects to them, adding that infrastructure development is an important vehicle toward poverty alleviation and the creation of jobs in rural areas.
Addressing the re sidents President Zuma said the area had been identified as one of the poorest in the country and the projects will bring much needed improvement in the lives of many.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were KwaZulu Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu, the minister of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries and the Minister of Small Business Development.
For the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, the three projects represent an important step in the rolling out of its Comprehensive Rural Development Programme which aims to create better opportunities for rural communities.
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