Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, recently in Bulilima
VILLAGERS and traditional leaders from Bulilima District in Matabeleland South Province have expressed their gratitude to President Mnangagwa, following the establishment of piped water schemes in the area.
This comes after the commissioning of three solar-powered piped water schemes last Thursday, by the Government, through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida).
The solar systems powering the schemes were installed last year. The projects were implemented by local communities, the Bulilima District Water and Sanitation Sub-Committee, in partnership with Save the Children and Goal.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Chief Manguba praised the initiative and appealed for the development of more water sources, such as dams.
“We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Government, which now enables us to access clean water for our households and livestock.
“In Bulilima, we have rivers such as Thekwane and Mazamnyama, but there is a shortage of dams. I urge the Government to consider constructing more dams, as they would boost the productivity of our communities,” said Chief Manguba.
Senator Chief Masendu, through his secretary Mr Freeman Dube, said the piped water schemes would enable the establishment of gardens, which could generate income for villagers.
“We appreciate the assistance we are receiving from the Government and its partners through these water schemes. The schemes will also help reduce livestock deaths, among other benefits.
“We plan to establish nutritional gardens that will significantly improve dietary health for the local population,” said Mr Dube.
Mr Herman Nyathi, chairperson of the Bhorabhora Piped Water Scheme, said they would no longer need to walk long distances in search of water.
“For years, we were forced to travel long distances, with the nearest water source being Thekwane River, more than five kilometres away.
“This posed serious risks, particularly for women and girls, who faced various forms of abuse, especially when fetching water late in the day. This scheme has brought an end to those dangers,” said Mr Nyathi.
The impact of the projects extends beyond access to clean water, empowering communities to improve their overall quality of life.
The Bhorabhora Piped Water Scheme benefits 103 households — approximately 620 people — stretching from Masendu Central to Thandawani Village and features five tap stands. A cattle trough serves over 1 000 cattle and other livestock.
The Kungubo Piped Water Scheme has a storage capacity of 20 000 litres and serves 139 households, equating to 1 024 individuals. It includes 10 tap stands, one of which is located at Kungubo Primary School, providing a backup water source for 500 pupils.
Another tap stand serves the local business centre. A livestock trough supports around 1 500 cattle and other animals from Kungubo and Gala villages. The scheme also supplies water directly to the 15 000-litre Kungubo dip tank, which caters for 1 218 cattle from the same areas.
The Manguba Piped Water Scheme is supplying clean water to around 1 360 individuals. As a result, Manguba Primary School now has piped water within the school grounds, enhancing learning time for 375 pupils and staff, who no longer need to queue for water. A hand-washing station connected to the piped system has also been constructed, improving hygiene at the school.
Approximately 1 350 cattle benefit from the scheme, and a nearby dip tank, powered by a solar pump, also receives water.
The Phumulani community garden now enjoys access to piped water via two tap stands, eliminating the need to rely on a bush pump for irrigation.
—@mthabisi_mthire
Bongani Ndlovu