Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
MRS Samukeliso Ngubhe, from the Gwambe area in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, had struggled to access clean water for 51 years since she was married, often walking four kilometres to the nearest borehole pushing a wheelbarrow.
All is now history following the official commissioning of Magabha, Mpukane and Kungubo Piped Water Schemes in Ward 2, 6 and 21 in Bulilima District, as she and over 2 000 villagers now have tap water close by.
The three solar-powered projects were constructed by Bulilima District Water and Sanitation Sub Committee in partnership with Save the Children, funded by USaid’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance under the integrated Nutrition Wash and Protection project.
Magabha and Kungubo schemes support the local dip tank, local business centres and nearby primary schools. The schemes have also solved the local livestock water crisis, as water troughs have also been built.
The women in the village, who previously had to walk long distances and drink unsafe water, are grateful for the Magabha and Mpukane Piped Water Schemes that have now saved them from their previous struggles.
Mrs Ngubhe said the Magabha scheme was transformative for rural women.
“For 51 years, I have been using the hand pump borehole. During the dry season like this year it would have been a disaster as the pumping would be a challenge due to pressure to provide water to both humans and livestock,” she said.
“Everything has been made simple for us as we now just turn on the tap and get water a few metres from my homestead.”
Mrs Dorcas Tshuma from Ndiweni Village said: “We used to get water at a borehole, which saw us crossing Thekwane River. The way back home is very steep, which made pushing the wheelbarrow a challenge and it got worse during the rainy season as our soils are muddy.”
Mr Nicholas Dube from Tjinjika Village, who uses Mpukane Piped Water Scheme, said the solar-powered borehole has come in handy during the worst drought in living memory.
He said the nearby Ndiweni Dam has long silted, making the new scheme a new dam for the area.
“By now, we would have lost a lot of livestock due to drought. So far, our only worry is stock feed and not water. What is good is that this borehole is high-yielding. We can do so many things like gardening due to lots of underground water,” he said.
Save the Children country director, Mr Bhekimpilo Khanye, who was represented at the function, said they have done three piped water schemes with the third, Makubu Piped Water Scheme, still to be commissioned.
He said the programmes are aimed at improving the lives and well-being of 68 747 individuals, including children, and pregnant and lactating mothers, and reducing the burden of young boys who had to herd cattle to streams far away to water them, thereby transforming their lives.
“In total, three solar-powered piped water schemes with two 10 000 litre tanks each have been installed in Bulilima district, supplying water to the communities, dip tanks, business centres, and livestock water troughs. Over 444 households, translating to around 2 222 individuals, including children, now have easy access to clean and safe water.
“Additionally, around 5 000 livestock now drink from the water troughs, reducing the burden on communities, especially young boys who previously had to herd animals to faraway streams for water. Makubu Primary School which did not have a water source within the school compound now has taps dotted around the schoolyard.”
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evenly Ndlovu, who was represented by Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Provincial Affairs, Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko, said these were not just infrastructure projects but they represent hope, health and a prosperous future for Bulilima District.
“Access to clean water is a cornerstone of development and a fundamental right that empowers communities and transforms lives,” she said.
“With these piped water schemes, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that every family in Mpukane and Magabha has reliable access to safe drinking water.”
She said the initiative dovetails well with Vision 2030 ideals adding that the scheme will provide various other opportunities for the development of communities.
“It opens doors to numerous opportunities for enhancing livelihoods and improved health outcomes, and these include nutritional gardens, which directly contribute to food security and improved nutrition,” she said. — @themkhust
Online Reporter