Staff Reporter
The government has commissioned 25 tractors for road rehabilitation and tillage in the Midlands province under the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA).
Honourable Owen Ncube (Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution) said the 25 tractors are part of 38 earmarked for the Midlands province from a consignment of 300 tractors acquired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa from Belarus early this year.
“The tractors are meant to speed up rural industrialization through the development of road infrastructure and land preparation to boost agricultural output.”
Mr Joseph Nhliziyana (Midlands Provincial Acting Director-RIDA), said, “These tractors are meant to service 4077 kilometers that are under our Province, so they are going to be disbursed in all 27 base camps dotted around across the province. RIDA is also one of road authority whose mandate ensures roads are trafficable. We will also have one tractor for each district to ensure that they help farmers with tillage services in this summer cropping season.”
The government says the procurement of machinery from friendly nations speaks to the success of the engagement and re-engagement efforts pursued by the Second Republic.
“Today’s event underscores the New Dispensation’s results-oriented strategic decision to engage and re-engage with friendly nations, including the People’s Republic of China, Russian Federation, and Belarus, which has consistently supported Zimbabwe’s mechanization program targeting agriculture, mining, health, and road construction.
Furthermore, the tractors will enable RIDA to respond swiftly and efficiently to maintenance needs, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.”
“RIDA is part of government arms mandated to drive rural development through establishing and refurbishing existing infrastructure such as roads and bridges,” he said.
