Entembeni solves water woes

THE Dianne and Lillie Foundation, a United States-based organisation, in partnership with Intuba, has commissioned a solar-powered borehole at Entembeni Old People’s Home in Luveve, Bulawayo.

The borehole is set to address the severe water challenges faced by the elderly residents of the institution, which relies on donations to sustain its operations.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, Mr Newman Sibanda, the board chairman of Entembeni Old People’s Home, expressed gratitude for the borehole, which will significantly improve water access for domestic use, and irrigation of the home’s vegetable garden.

“This borehole is more than just a source of water; it is a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a testament to the power of human kindness,” said Mr Sibanda.

“On behalf of the board, the management, and most importantly, our residents, I extend our heartfelt thanks to The Dianne and Lillie Foundation in partnership with Intuba for this incredible act of compassion.”

He spoke of the difficulties of caring for the elderly, particularly amid the ongoing water crisis in Bulawayo, which has seen a 120-hour water-shedding schedule imposed due to depleted dam levels and persistent faults at the Ncema Pump Station.

“Most of the time, elderly people fail to go to the toilet, resulting in them soiling themselves, and without water, it is a challenge,” said Mr Sibanda.

He also appealed to well-wishers for donations, particularly traditional foods like peanuts and other essentials, to support the home’s operations.

Entembeni Old People’s Home is one of many institutions in Bulawayo grappling with the city’s severe water crisis. The new borehole, equipped with a solar-powered pumping system, is expected to bring much-needed relief to the home’s elderly residents, providing a consistent and reliable water supply.

Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Descent Bajila, who attended the event, called on the diaspora community to contribute in assisting the underprivileged. He emphasised the importance of collective efforts in supporting vulnerable groups, especially during challenging times.

The Dianne and Lillie Foundation, was founded by Apostle Dianne Thomas-Banda and her late husband, and focuses on improving access to primary care services in under-served rural and urban communities in Africa.

In addition to the borehole at Entembeni Old People’s Home, the foundation has committed to drilling boreholes and developing irrigation systems in Mhlangano in Tsholotsho, and Mawabeni in Umzingwane. These initiatives are part of the foundation’s efforts to complement Government efforts in improving access to water and enhancing food security.

Mr Andrew Banda, brother of the late Allen Banda and a foundation representative, spoke about the personal connection his family has with Entembeni Old People’s Home.

“We got to know that the old people’s home has a serious predicament of lack of water, and we then managed to drill a borehole, which will alleviate water challenges,” he said.

Apostle Dianne Thomas-Banda, speaking at the event, shared her passion for Africa, which inspired the foundation’s decision to drill the borehole.

“We partnered with Intuba Foundation and decided to drill this borehole, which will provide water for domestic use, bathing, and irrigation of the vegetable garden for the elderly at Entembeni Old People’s Home,” she said.

“We must never stop giving or finding something that we can give. Even spending 30 minutes with the old people is enough, as they are the ones that carry all the wisdom.”