NKWENE — Six months after floods disrupted its operations, the Nkwene Garden Scheme is back in full swing following repairs led by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla with support from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and Micro Projects.
The scheme, which consists of 51 members operating as Nkwene Limited, suffered severe damage to its irrigation system earlier this year when heavy rains blocked main pipes, halting production. The DPM first visited the site in May 2025 to assess the damage.
On Monday, July 21, 2025, DPM Dladla returned to officially commission the restored garden. She was joined by Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, who also represents the area in Parliament. The team inspected the water source along the Mkhondvo River, planted vegetables, and handed out seedlings to help farmers resume their activities.
NDMA provided financial backing for the rehabilitation, while Micro Projects handled the revamp. Garden members expressed excitement over renewed opportunities to generate income through selling produce locally.
DPM Dladla assured the community that NDMA and Micro Projects will follow up to replace all corrugated pipes with more durable materials. She also encouraged members to diversify their crops by adding maize, beans, and groundnuts, which require less water than vegetables.
Minister Dlamini promised further assistance through the Regional Development Fund, including supplying equipment to increase productivity.
Since its establishment in 1961, the Nkwene Garden Scheme has been a key pillar of community resilience and empowerment in the region.
Discussion about this post