Chief appeals for more boreholes

BEITBRIDGE senator and traditional leader, Chief Tshitaudze (David Mbedzi), has called for the drilling of more boreholes to help communities deal with the impact of the El Nino-induced drought.

He highlighted that communal boreholes were starting to dry up and others urgently needed repairs. The provision of adequate water supplies is critical for sustaining livestock, one of the area’s significant economic anchors, as well as for domestic use.

While the Government has already taken steps to address the drought issue, Chief Tshitaudze argued that many boreholes were needed. In addition, he called for the creation of stock feed distribution points and an increase in food aid. As pastures diminish, it has become more difficult to grow crops in the area.

“We appreciate the many initiatives that the Government is doing to ensure no one starves to death as a result of this drought. However, we have noted a deficit in the number of boreholes across the district and we are appealing to our Government and its partners to drill deeper boreholes at strategic points,” said Chief Tshitaudze.

“These can be powered by solar energy, considering we have plenty of sunlight here. At the same time, community members should also embrace the creation of nutrition gardens with solar boreholes.”

Chief Tshitaudze said the deployment of more Government extension workers may help the community to better adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change, including drought survival.

Beitbridge Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Peter Moyo, recently said that they will be introducing piped water schemes to bring portable water closer, or at central points near households and rural service centres.

He said the modernisation of boreholes will also ensure that communities venture into small horticulture projects that may improve their incomes at 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.