TSHOLOTSHO Rural District Council ward 8 councillor Jazz Sibanda has appealed to Zimbabweans in the diaspora to assist in the desilting of Kanana River so that water can flow into Cijima Dam.
In an interview, Sibanda yesterday said a section of Kanana River was heavily silted, adding that it has been like that for more than 30 years, making it difficult for villagers around the area to access water.
He said siltation had affected flowing of water into Cijima Dam.
“We went there to see and we noticed that there was a huge lump of soil that blocked it (movement of water). We really need help so that the blockage can be removed. Lots of works need to be done along the course of the river,” he said.
“I am appealing for help from the diaspora citizens to assist us with funds that can help to desilt the river. We do not have water.”
Sibanda said siltation had resulted in the diversion of water to areas such as Manzamnyama, where it goes to waste because villagers and animals cannot access it.
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He said he once tabled the issue at a board meeting but nothing was done.
“I put a motion more than a year ago and nothing has been done. It is not a new river, the river has been there for a long time,” he said.
Tsholotsho district, in Matabeleland North province, receives very little rainfall and villagers in Garia, Sibantubanye, Jalume and Qhubekani in ward 8 are facing serious challenges in accessing water.
The villagers walk long distances to fetch water as the El Niño-induced drought continues to take its toll in remote parts of Zimbabwe.