Cofamosa seeks R257m for Moz irrigation project

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Danette Breitenbach

The Committee for the Facilitation of Agriculture between Mozambique and South Africa (COFAMOSA) is seeking 861 million Meticais (about R257 million) to enable the irrigation of 10 000 hectares of agricultural land in the southern Mozambican province of Maputo's Moamba district.

The water would be piped from the Corumana Dam, on the Sabie River, a tributary of the Incomati River, Allafrica.com reports. The project is a New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) initiative in support of pan-African development.

COFAMOSA president Enoque Ngomane says that communities will use 5 000ha to produce sugar cane with government support. The African Development Bank has already given 1.2 million euros to carry out studies on environmental impact, resettlement and engineering needs. The entire project, he says, covers a total area of 29 000 hectares, "this year we are working on an area of 10 000 hectares along the river, producing sugar cane, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and vegetables." Future plans, Ngomane says, are to "increase the area [used for] sugar cane cultivation." The project will also produce maize and grow cattle for beef.

According to Allafrica.com, project leaders propose the building of various infrastructures including homes for technicians and other workers and the construction of a sugar processing factory - which would also produce ethanol.

Read the full article on http://allafrica.com.