Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
OVER 400 households in Swaithe Village, Mbalabala area under Umzingwane District, have benefitted from a newly established piped water scheme that is set to end decades of water challenges in the community.
For years, villagers in the area have relied on unprotected water sources shared with livestock, posing serious health risks. The new scheme, funded by a local businessman, Mr Mackenzie Dongo, was implemented in close collaboration with the community and local leadership.
A villager, Ms Sithabile Ngulube, said the project marked a major development milestone for Swaithe community.
“We have been relying on dirty water for years because that was the only option we had.
“This piped water scheme brings relief and will also support our horticulture gardens,” she said.
Chief Mabhena lauded the initiative, saying access to clean water would transform livelihoods and promote development.
“Water is life and when people don’t have access to it, development is stalled.
“We welcome this kind of progress and urge other businesspeople to emulate what Mr Dongo has done,” he said.
Umzingwane Rural District Council’s chief executive officer, Mrs Sithembiso Sibanda, said the project aligns with the council’s drive to improve access to basic services through public-private partnerships.
“The piped water scheme is in line with our goal of providing critical services to communities. We have been using devolution funds to roll out projects such as clinics, bridges and boreholes,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda added that the council had also procured a water drilling rig using devolution funds to boost its capacity to respond to water challenges.
Speaking during the commissioning of the project, Umzingwane legislator and Deputy Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Levi Mayihlome, hailed the partnership between the business community and residents.
“This area has battled water shortages for over 25 years. The partnership between the private sector and the community is commendable and reflects the spirit of the President’s philosophy — ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’,” he said.
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mayihlome called on other businesspeople to take a leading role in developing their communities through projects such as building schools, clinics, roads and bridges.
Mr Dongo, who is the chief executive officer of Mac Motors, said the project was part of his company’s corporate social responsibility.
“As a business operating within this community, we saw the need for clean water and decided to act.
“We appreciate the conducive environment created by Government and thank His Excellency President Mnangagwa for promoting development-oriented policies,” he said.
“This is only the beginning as we plan to roll out more projects here.”
@DubeMatutu
Sidumisile Mabena