Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MORE than 150 households in Sizalobuhle Village, Ward 9 in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province have received a lifeline through a newly established piped water scheme, following the rehabilitation of Wanezi Dam. For years, villagers faced severe water shortages.
Women and girls spent hours queuing at boreholes that frequently ran dry, while livestock had to be driven more than five kilometres to find water. Today, the presence of taps throughout the village has turned that daily struggle into a source of ease and relief.
Ms Victoria Sibanda, a resident of the village, shared how the development has significantly improved their lives.
“This piped water scheme has changed our lives.
“We used to walk long distances and spend hours at boreholes that would sometimes run out of water.
“It was laborious, and we lost valuable time. Now, with taps around the village, water is within reach for everyone,” she said.
She added that their livestock now enjoy reliable access to water, easing the burden on farmers.
Mr Alfred Siziba spoke of the new opportunities the scheme presents, particularly in horticulture.
“We already have an irrigation scheme in the area, but now we can also establish smaller gardens for horticultural produce.
“This will improve household food and nutrition security while boosting income,” he said.
Ward 9 Councillor Reason Msipha, welcomed the project, noting its role in restoring clean and safe water to the community and fulfilling a basic human right.
“We are delighted to see the rehabilitation of Wanezi Dam benefitting the people once again. This is one of the Government’s targeted achievements under its development agenda. Water is life, and it drives productivity and economic growth. It is also pleasing to see people accessing modern taps within walking distance.”
The piped water scheme was implemented under the Community Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Project (Cawep), which also included the rehabilitation of Wanezi Dam, the establishment of the Wanezi Irrigation Scheme, and the construction of the Wanezi River Bridge. Funded by the British Embassy, the project was carried out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with various Government departments.
Originally built in 1952, Wanezi Dam had long served as a vital source of livelihood for the community before it was damaged by Cyclone Dineo in 2016, leaving villagers in despair. Its rehabilitation has now rekindled hope and is poised to transform the Wanezi area into a thriving green belt once again. —@DubeMatutu
