Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Government has drilled 480 boreholes across the eight districts of Midlands Province, in a development that has empowered rural communities by providing access to clean water and improving health and sanitation.
Through the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), the Government has also established 110 Village Business Units (VBUs) — a transformative initiative for rural entrepreneurship. This programme has enabled communities to irrigate their crops, boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security.
Implemented under the Presidential Rural Development Programme, the VBUs engage in profitable activities such as fish farming, irrigation and horticulture. These ventures aim to improve livelihoods, ensure food security, support rural industrialisation and drive economic growth.
In an interview, Zinwa’s Midlands Provincial Rural Development Engineer, Mr Arthur Namikai Gukutu, said the Government is committed to driving rural development and transforming lives.
“The Government is accelerating rural development and uplifting livelihoods for nearly 70 percent of Zimbabwe’s population living in rural areas, advancing progress towards Vision 2030. Midlands stands out for empowering communities and fostering sustainable growth.
“A total of 480 boreholes have been drilled across Midlands Province. In terms of water reticulation schemes, 27 have been completed, bush pumps have been installed at 109 sites, and of the targeted 272 community gardens, 132 are now ready and operational,” he said.
Mr Gukutu said the VBUs have made it easier for communities and livestock to access water.
“Other organisations that have contributed to the success of the business units include the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda), Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and AFC Holdings, along with local leadership,” he said.
He added that schools such as Kasawe Primary School (Ward 7, Kwekwe) have refurbished their infrastructure using profits generated from these initiatives.
Furthermore, employment opportunities have been created in areas such as Gokwe and Shurugwi, economically empowering local communities.
“The Rural Industrialisation drive is a key component of the Government’s development agenda, aimed at promoting economic growth and development in rural areas,” said Mr Gukutu.
By creating employment, increasing rural incomes, and promoting entrepreneurship, this initiative is set to further accelerate development in rural communities.
