01/08/2026
Ministry of Agriculture Fast-Tracks Construction and Rehabilitation of Key Livestock Infrastructure
The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development is making significant progress towards achieving the Government’s target of rehabilitating 600 dip tanks nationwide in 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen livestock disease control infrastructure and improve the resilience of Zimbabwe’s livestock sector.
Speaking during an inspection of the Jakata Dip Tank in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, the Chief Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Pious V. Makaya, said Government remains committed to modernising and rehabilitating critical livestock infrastructure to enhance animal health, improve productivity, and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr Makaya noted that dip tanks are the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s national tick and tick-borne disease control programme. Beyond serving as facilities for routine cattle dipping, they function as strategic disease surveillance and extension centres where farmers receive veterinary advisory services, disease awareness, vaccination campaigns, livestock identification services, and other essential animal health interventions.
“The rehabilitation of dip tanks is a strategic investment in national food security and livestock health. Functional dip tanks are essential in controlling ticks and reducing the burden of tick-borne diseases, which continue to cause significant cattle mortalities and economic losses if left unmanaged,” said Dr Makaya.
The rehabilitation programme forms part of Government’s broader strategy to strengthen veterinary service delivery and ensure that livestock farmers have access to reliable disease prevention infrastructure. The initiative complements other investments, including improving water supplies at dip tanks through the drilling of solar-powered boreholes in areas experiencing perennial water shortages.
Zimbabwe has recorded significant success through its National Dipping Programme, with approximately 5.7 million cattle benefiting from routine dipping services. The programme has played a critical role in reducing tick infestations and limiting the spread of economically important tick-borne diseases such as theileriosis (January disease), heartwater, babesiosis (redwater), and anaplasmosis (gallsickness).
Government continues to prioritise the rehabilitation of ageing dip tank infrastructure, recognising that well-maintained facilities are fundamental to effective disease surveillance, early detection of outbreaks, and rapid veterinary response. The programme also supports Zimbabwe’s broader animal health objectives by protecting the national herd, improving livestock productivity, and strengthening the country’s capacity to meet domestic and international animal health standards.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development remains committed to investing in resilient livestock infrastructure as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development, improved rural livelihoods, and national food security.
