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Presidential borehole drilling scheme brings clean water to remote communities

Local News

Communities in remote areas have expressed their appreciation to the government for prioritizing their community in the ongoing Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme.

Under this program government is aiming to provide a borehole for each of the country's 35,000 villages by 2025, along with providing nutrition gardens featuring a variety of vegetables.

The initiative has already yielded positive results, as solar-powered boreholes, two 10,000-liter storage tanks, and four portable water taps have been installed have already been installed in several provinces by Prevail International, the company contracted by ZINWA.

Prevail International; responsible for installing the boreholes, aims to achieve a target of 1,000 installations by the end of the year.

The company's chairman, Tempter Tungwarara, expressed confidence in meeting their goal, having recently received a consignment including solar and electric pumps to cater for approximately 1,000 boreholes.

 Tungwarara stated, "So far, we have received a consignment for 1,000 boreholes, and we are also expecting another consignment next month in July. We remain on course to meet our target installations."

Tendai Sithole, the General Manager of Prevail International, shared insights into the company's role in the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme and its commitment to making a positive difference in arid regions like Chipinge and Chimanimani.

"We are honored to be part of this significant initiative to provide clean water to communities in need," Sithole stated. "Prevail International has dedicated resources and expertise to ensure the successful installation of boreholes and related infrastructure in collaboration with ZINWA. We are proud to contribute to the betterment of the lives of the people in Chipinge and Chimanimani."

"Our focus goes beyond just drilling boreholes. We strive to ensure the long-term viability of these water sources. This includes the use of solar-powered systems, storage tanks, and portable water taps. Additionally, we are working closely with local communities to educate them on water management and maintenance, empowering them to take ownership and care of these valuable resources."

She also expressed optimism about the progress made and the future goals of the scheme. "With the consignment of solar and electric pumps for 1,000 boreholes received and more expected in the coming months, we are on track to meet our target installations. We are fully committed to this cause and are confident in our ability to make a meaningful impact in addressing water scarcity and improving the lives of communities."

A tour of Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces showed that the scheme is already bearing fruit.

Godfrey Mukungunugwa, an aspiring parliamentarian for the Chivi North constituency, commended the strategic placement of the borehole, highlighting the relief it brings to three wards in his area.

He stated, "This area is a dark corner, far from the main routes, and when support comes, people here are overlooked for those close to main roads. This resulted in three wards being overly dependent on Chida. But I'm glad the borehole facility has been stationed at this convergent zone. It brings relief.

In addition to benefiting Chivi, the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme is also reaching other arid regions in Zimbabwe, such as Chipinge and Chimanimani. These areas, known for their challenging climate and limited water resources, have long struggled with water scarcity and inadequate access to clean drinking water.

Recognizing the dire circumstances faced by these communities, the government's initiative aims to alleviate their water-related hardships. By drilling and equipping boreholes in Chipinge and Chimanimani, the scheme is providing a lifeline to residents who previously relied on unreliable and unsafe water sources.

The installation of boreholes in these arid regions is a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable water supply. The solar-powered boreholes, coupled with storage tanks and portable water taps, offer a reliable and accessible source of clean water for daily use. The provision of these essential resources brings immeasurable relief to communities that have faced water scarcity for far too long.

Moreover, the impact of the program extends beyond immediate water access.

With the establishment of the boreholes, communities can engage in agricultural activities, mitigating the effects of aridity on food production.

The availability of water enables the cultivation of crops and the nurturing of livestock, contributing to food security and economic stability in these regions.

By extending support to arid areas, the initiative recognizes the unique needs and vulnerabilities of these regions and strives to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all Zimbabweans.

As the scheme progresses, it is expected to reach even more arid regions, ensuring that the benefits of clean water access and agricultural opportunities are extended to those who need them the most. The collaborative efforts of the government, ZINWA, and Prevail International are making a tangible difference in the lives of people in Chipinge, Chimanimani, and other arid areas, offering hope, improved living conditions, and a pathway to a brighter future.

In response to the implementation of the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme in Chipinge and Chimanimani, women and villagers in these arid regions have expressed their gratitude for the positive impact it has had on their lives. They have eagerly shared their thoughts on the newfound access to clean water and the transformative effect it has brought to their communities.

One woman, Mary Sibanda from Chipinge, joyfully exclaimed, "We are immensely grateful for the borehole provided by the governmentIt has completely changed our lives. Now, instead of walking long distances to fetch water from distant sources, we have clean water right here in our village. It saves us time and energy, allowing us to focus on other productive activities."

Villagers in Gutu have also shared their appreciation for the initiative. Samuel Mukwena, a resident, remarked, "Water scarcity has been a constant struggle in our community. But thanks to the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, we now have access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and farming. It has brought hope and a sense of relief to all of us."

Through the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, the government's collaborative efforts with ZINWA and Prevail International are making a tangible difference in the lives of women and villagers in Chipinge, Chimanimani, and other arid areas. By addressing water challenges, the program is creating a pathway for sustainable development and improved quality of life for all Zimbabweans.

Chief Mutema, the local headman in Chipinge, also shared his perspective on the impact of the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme in his community.

He emphasized the significance of having access to clean water and the positive changes it has brought to the lives of the villagers.

"As the chief of this community, I have witnessed first-hand the hardships our people faced due to water scarcity. The drilling of boreholes in our region through the government's initiative has been a game-changer," Chief Ncube remarked. "Our villagers no longer have to travel long distances or rely on unsafe water sources. This program has provided us with a lifeline, ensuring a sustainable supply of clean water for our daily needs."

Chief Mutema further highlighted the transformative effects of the boreholes on various aspects of community life.

"With the availability of clean water, our villagers have experienced improved health and hygiene practices. Diseases related to waterborne contaminants have significantly reduced, and our children can now focus on their education without the burden of water-related illnesses."

He also acknowledged the program's impact on agriculture and food security in the region. "The boreholes have enabled our farmers to irrigate their crops and maintain their livestock even during dry seasons. This has bolstered our agricultural production and enhanced our food security. Our community is now more self-sufficient, and we can envision a better future for our children."

Chief Mutema expressed his gratitude to the government for prioritizing the needs of arid regions like Chipinge. "We are thankful that the government has recognized the challenges we faced and taken proactive measures to address them. The Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme has brought hope and improved the overall well-being of our community."

Jane Moyo, a resident of Chipinge, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "Having a borehole in our village has transformed our lives, especially for us women. We now have easy access to water for our gardens, and it has allowed us to grow a variety of vegetables and fruits right in our backyard. This means we have nutritious food for our families and even surplus to sell at the market, providing an additional source of income."

Another villager, Patricia Musarurwa, highlighted the empowerment aspect of the gardening initiatives. She explained, "Engaging in gardening has given us a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. We are no longer solely dependent on the market for our vegetables. We have control over what we grow and can ensure the quality and safety of the produce we consume."

These women also emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and support within their communities. Alice Ndlovu, a Chimanimani resident, stated, "We have formed gardening groups where we exchange ideas, techniques, and seeds. It has created a sense of camaraderie and collective growth. We learn from each other and collectively strive for better results."

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