adminWalter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
GOVERNMENT has deployed a state-of-the-art water drilling rig expected to boost provision of safe water to communities in Mashonaland West Province. The District Development Fund (DDF) in Mashonaland West recently took delivery of the drilling rig.
DDF provincial coordinator Mr Erikano Chikande confirmed the development.
He said modalities on how the rig would be used were being worked out.
“We recently took delivery of a drilling rig, which we hope will boost our community development programmes.
“As of now we are still consulting on how it will be used and deployed so that it has impact in the communities,” he said.
The province did not have a dedicated rig and the development is set to expand coverage. There are several communities in the province which do not have access to clean water, including some in Makonde District, who are sharing the precious liquid with livestock.
This exposes them to diseases.
Villagers in the affected areas said they have engaged DDF for a solution, but assistance has not been forthcoming.
Government recently availed $2,8 million to DDF to buy drilling rigs to improve sanitation and access to clean water, particularly for disadvantaged communities.
The rig will complement ongoing efforts by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), which has embarked on a $4,8 million borehole drilling programme across the country.
Zinwa targets to drill at least four boreholes per constituency.
This is expected to immensely improve water and sanitation in the country.
This programme is expected to reduce water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, which affects at least 50 000 people each year.
At least 1 000 boreholes are expected to be drilled under the programme.
In a recent interview, DDF water and maintenance director Mr Edwin Toriro said Government was supporting DDF to effectively serve rural communities.
Online Reporter