5 new boreholes mark new era for struggling Murehw...

5 new boreholes mark new era for struggling Murehwa communities

Philemon Jambaya

Villagers in Murehwa District are celebrating the drilling of five new boreholes by the government under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme. The boreholes have brought much-needed relief to the community, which has been struggling with water shortages for many years.

Editha Shoko, a youth in the community, said that the new boreholes will allow her and other villagers to start farming horticultural products to sell to the local community. The proceeds from the garden will be used to support the local school.

Johanne Muruviwa, a beneficiary from ward 13, said that St Paul’s Mission, a 100-year-old school in the community, has been facing acute water shortages. Last month, more than 100 learners, staff, and teachers at both the primary and secondary schools were admitted to the hospital with dysentery.

“We applaud President Mnangagwa for giving us safe, clean, and potable water,” said Muruviwa.

“We were now fearing for the lives of our children, especially exam classes, due to the dysentery outbreak. Five boreholes are a lot.’

Mai Madyira, chairlady of Musami District, said that pregnant women at the local mother’s shelter, maternity, and labour ward used to have to walk long distances to fetch water.

“As women, we no longer have the burden of fetching water,” said Madyira.

“Villagers are also coming to access the clean, potable water which they are now drinking. Thanks to our President, who is doing what many failed for years.”

Fungai Munemo, another villager, said that the availability of water will help to curb the cholera outbreak in the area.

“Keep up with the vision of development and uplifting the lives of all Zimbabweans, regardless of place,” said Munemo.

The Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme is part of the government’s efforts to provide clean water to all Zimbabweans. The scheme aims to drill 35 000 boreholes across the country, one in every village.