Doves drills boreholes in Hwange District

DIVERSIFIED life assurance and funeral services provider, Doves Holdings Limited, has expanded its focus to community development in Matabeleland North where it has invested US$15 000 in water and sanitation projects in the Chitumba area, Hwange District.

The company recently re-aligned its products in line with the strategic focus of a diversified business model, adding on new life assurance products.

With interest mainly in life assurance, funeral and financial services, among others, Doves Holdings is one of the longest-established local firms with over 120 years of existence.

The company last week handed over two solar-powered boreholes to Chisuma and Vulindlela villages under Chief Mvuthu and a state-of-the-art toilet, complete with a flushing system, flood light outside, and a septic tank with a combined value of US$15 000.

Doves Group’s public relations manager, Mr Innocent Tshuma, said the provision of borehole infrastructure reflects Doves Holdings’ unwavering commitment to addressing the critical need for clean and accessible water in the Chisuma community.

Hwange is one of the dry areas in the region and communities struggle to access water as the water table is mostly around 100 metres deep, making it difficult for ordinary community members to drill their own boreholes.

Mr Tshuma said the boreholes project showcases the collaborative efforts between Doves Holdings, local authorities, and community leaders to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

“This significant event underscores our dedication to social responsibility and community development. We believe this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of the residents,” said Mr Tshuma.

“This is not our first borehole or community project as we have actually done a few others. However, the significance of this one in Victoria Falls is that it is big as we are set to become a player in the tourism industry.”

He said the project was significant for Hwange, particularly in the Chisuma and Chidobe areas where some of the communities have a high rate of open defecation in the country.

A number of organisations have over the years been helping by constructing Blair toilets for villagers.

Mr Tshuma said Doves has also expanded its scope by venturing into the tourism sector.

Recently, the company acquired the iconic Southern Belle Houseboat, which Mr Tshuma said marks Doves Holdings’ entry into the tourism industry and demonstrates dedication to contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and cultural preservation. The company is eyeing a huge presence in Victoria Falls.

“The Southern Belle is the largest in-land houseboat in Southern Africa. It was built in Zimbabwe, operated for some years then eventually ended up in Zambia,” he said.

“We brought it back and we are currently working on refurbishing it so it can be operational in 2025.”

Chief Mvuthu welcomed the programme as an empowerment development for his people. He commended Doves Holdings for contributing to change in the quality of life for his subjects, which he said will also create jobs and enhance livelihoods in line with Vision 2030.