THE Johane Marange Apostolic Church International Headquarters in Rusape has received a timely boost ahead of their annual gathering following the drilling of a borehole under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme.
Prevail International has been drilling boreholes across Zimbabwe under the government initiative meant to counter acute water shortages especially in rural communities.
The borehole, which came prior to the pilgrimage, addresses a longstanding water challenge that has plagued the shrine, particularly during the large-scale event.
The gathering, which attracts over 10,000 people from all ten provinces of Zimbabwe and Botswana, has historically been hampered by shortages of the precious liquid.
A representative of the shrine, Zvanetsa Muchuchu expressed gratitude for the timely intervention stating that water shortages had been the only significant challenge they faced in hosting the gathering.
“We are grateful that our cries were finally heard, water has been a very big challenge as we host the biggest gathering every year in September.
“The gathering attracts more than ten thousand people from all over Zimbabwe and even Botswana, hence water is a need and we are happy Prevail International saw fit to drill a borehole here,” Muchuchu said.
The church had previously petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2022 for assistance in drilling boreholes in the area.
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Beyond the immediate relief provided during the annual gathering, the borehole is expected to have a lasting impact on the shrine.
Johane Marange in Gandanzara, Rusape, is known for its philanthropic work, accommodating orphans and widows.
Shadreck Mbiri, a long-time employee of the shrine, highlighted the acute water shortages they initially faced in their agricultural efforts to sustain the vulnerable population.
“The borehole will not only alleviate the water crisis but also enable the shrine to enhance its agricultural activities through irrigation," said Mbiri.
“The church looks after orphans and widows and we want to do agriculture to sustain us hence the borehole will enable us to do so.”
Meanwhile, congregants have already started arriving at the shrine, signaling the anticipation and excitement surrounding the upcoming gathering.
