Shamva, Zimbabwe — An upgraded dip tank, designed to prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases among livestock, was officially inaugurated in Bushu Village, Shamva North Constituency, on April 26, 2026.
The ceremony, attended by Dr. Pious Makaya, Chief Director of the Department of Veterinary Services, and Zhao Ke, Team Leader of the Chinese Agricultural Expert Group, marked the completion of a project supported by China-Aid.
The dip tank, which has been comprehensively renovated to meet epidemic prevention standards, is expected to assist rural farmers in ward areas combat tick — borne diseases. Zhao Ke highlighted the collaboration with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and local government to bring the project to fruition.
The facility is now capable of dipping, diagnosing, treating, immunizing, and sampling up to 600 cattle. Through this initiative, China-Aid has also established two China-Zimbabwe agricultural cooperation demonstration villages.
In addition to the dip tank, China — Aid has supported the construction of a poultry hatchery center in Zvimba district, which produces over 2,000 day-old chicks per month for more than 300 households. In Zindi Village, an irrigation system with a daily water supply capacity of 55,000 liters has been built to address domestic, livestock, and irrigation needs.
China — Aid has further invested in building local capacity through practical technical training in various agricultural fields, benefiting over 1,400 trainees and contributing to a growing pool of agricultural technical talent.
Dr. Makaya expressed gratitude to the Chinese partners for their support, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing livestock production and safeguarding the country’s wealth. He also urged farmers to utilize the dip tank to prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases.
The Bushu dip tank, originally constructed in 1952, has been rehabilitated as part of a broader initiative to support local farmers. The rehabilitation included the establishment of a solarized borehole, construction of pens, and other improvements.
Zhao Ke thanked the local communities and farmers for their contribution to the rehabilitation program, including labor, materials, and transportation assistance. He also extended gratitude to the Provincial Administrator, Provincial Veterinary Director, District Veterinary Officer, and other officials for their continuous support.
The commissioning event was attended by government officials and key stakeholders, underscoring the importance of such projects in improving lives, increasing incomes, and fostering lasting partnerships.
Source: Panafricanvisions
