Online Reporter
Chronicle Reporter
THE People’s Republic of China has completed and handed over a 300-boreholes Drilling Project that has brought clean water to more than 75 000 people across 300 villages in four provinces of Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Chimanimani on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the China-Aid Project was implemented in response to the severe drought triggered by El Niño, which prompted President Mnangagwa to declare a national state of disaster in April 2024.
“As Zimbabwe’s all-weather friend, China swiftly responded to the President’s call by rolling out the 300 Boreholes Project in the drought-stricken areas of Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, and Midlands, to help local people cope with the acute water shortages,” said Amb Zhou.
He said the project was completed in less than two years, reaching 300 villages in 21 districts across four provinces despite numerous challenges faced by engineers and workers on the ground.
“Today, this project has brought clean water to more than 75 000 residents across 300 villages, 21 districts, and 4 provinces,” he said.
According to Amb Zhou, the boreholes are improving access to safe water for domestic use and farming, reducing waterborne diseases and strengthening agricultural resilience in beneficiary communities.
He said reliable water supplies had boosted crop farming, livestock rearing, poultry production and vegetable cultivation while also benefiting women and children by reducing the time spent fetching water.
Amb Zhou noted that China has drilled more than 1 300 boreholes across Zimbabwe over the past decade, benefiting about half a million people.
“This new batch of 300 boreholes stands as yet another testament to the enduring, profound friendship between our two nations — a bond we will always cherish and keep strengthening,” he said.
Londile Moyo