adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
ROTARY Foundation International has started drilling four boreholes at a cost of $25 000 in Sigola area, Umzingwane District in a bid to alleviate water problems. Reverend Blessing Sikhosana who is based in the United States of America is spearheading the project.
“The poverty cycle starts with the shortage of water and if we address the water problem we are dealing with poverty issues,” said Rev Sikhosana.
She said villagers should take advantage of the new boreholes to empower themselves.
“Villagers can use the boreholes for sustainable development. They can start small scale irrigation projects such as growing of vegetables and animal rearing so that they can sustain themselves,” said Rev Sikhosana.
She said if the villagers started developmental projects they would not struggle to maintain and rehabilitate the boreholes.
“The boreholes will get old and we can not expect people from outside to come and repair them but if the locals run developmental projects they will be able to maintain them,” said Rev Sikhosana.
Chief Sigola thanked Rev Sikhosana for remembering his area, which he said has serious water problems.
“This part of the country does not receive much rainfall as a result we constantly experience severe water shortages.
“On behalf of the people of Sigola area, I want to thank the donors for the great work they have done for us,” he said.
Chief Sigola’s sentiments were echoed by Headman Mduduzi Dlodlo who said even the dams needed to be rehabilitated.
Meanwhile, Rev Sikhosana said she would be paying school fees for 20 girls who are doing Grade Zero and Grade One until they complete their primary education.
“I have started a Blessing Sikhosana Foundation which seeks to empower the girl child.
“I have pledged to cater for 20 pupils who I will pay their fees until they complete primary education,” she said.
Rev Sikhosana expressed hope that the foundation would have grown by the time the pupils completed their primary education so that she could continue assisting them.
Online Reporter