Chronicle EditorThupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
BEITBRIDGE West legislator, Cde Thusani Ndou, has announced that the Government, in collaboration with its partners, is undertaking a significant borehole drilling project to address water challenges in rural communities.
He said the initiative aims to enhance water availability and improve living conditions in the area.
Cde Ndou said access to water is critical for villagers, particularly at a time when most rivers and dams among other water sources have started drying up.
He commended the Government for its intervention in drilling more boreholes.
“As Matabeleland South, we are facing critical water and food challenges for people and livestock. However, it is pleasing to note that in rural Beitbridge, the Government is coming up with mitigatory measures to address water challenges,” said Cde Ndou.
“So far, authorities have drilled and equipped boreholes with solar pumps at Tshionzeni, Ndambe, Mutshilashokwe, Jalukange, Limpopo and Malala primary schools. The boreholes drilling scheme is ongoing especially in the Khwalu 1 suburb (SDP) in Beitbridge urban Ward 5 where there are water supply challenges.”
Cde Ndou said more areas with water challenges are being identified.
He said as part of drought mitigation measures to save livestock, the Government through the Presidential scheme, is distributing bales of stock feeds in some affected areas.
“It is encouraging that the local road authorities have also started rehabilitating and maintaining roads in our area, most of which are now in a better condition, especially those linking the town with Malibeng, Limpopo and Shashe,” said Cde Ndou.
Beitbridge Rural District Council’s chief executive officer, Mr Peter Moyo said they will introduce piped water schemes to bring potable water closer to rural service centres.
He said the modernisation of boreholes will also ensure that communities venture into horticulture projects to boost incomes at the household level.
“We have close to 480 community boreholes and our target is to upgrade them from the use of old pumps and power them with solar to increase accessibility of water and productivity in small horticulture projects,” said Mr Moyo.
Online Reporter