Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE Khami Prison Complex has become the latest beneficiary of the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, a development that is set to address water challenges and improve living conditions for both inmates and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officers.
The initiative, which was launched by President Mnangagwa is part of Government’s short term interventions to provide sustainable water solutions to communities and institutions facing water shortages.
The commissioning of the borehole at Khami Remand Prison was officiated by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube yesterday.
During the commissioning, Prof Ncube also donated 2.5 tonnes of rice and half a tonne of mealie -meal to the prison community, underscoring Government’s commitment to addressing both water and food security challenges.
In his keynote address, Prof Ncube said the Government has a multi-faceted approach to infrastructure development, with water infrastructure being a top priority.
“The President has put the development of infrastructure at the top of Government’s priorities. This development of infrastructure is multi-faceted, with the provision of water infrastructure being one of them. That is why President Mnangagwa launched the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, amongst other programmes. We have noted that Bulawayo has been facing water challenges and as Government, we have moved in with a three-pronged approach to ensure the challenge is addressed,” said Prof Ncube.
He said that the Government’s long-term plan to resolving Bulawayo’s water woes includes the completion of the Gwayi-Tshangani Dam with the medium-term strategies being the development of the Glass Block Dam through a Public-Private Partnership.
Prof Ncube further reaffirmed the Government’s support for the Bulawayo City Council in improving water efficiency and reducing leakages.
“As I alluded earlier that the President launched the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, we felt Khami Prison Complex should also benefit. We know that since you are supplied by Bulawayo and it’s already facing challenges, you need the water.
“From my interaction with the ZPCS Bulawayo’s Officer Commanding, we so it fit to tap into the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme. So far, we are commissioning the first one, but we will be drilling two more to make them three,” said Prof Ncube.
ZPCS Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, Commissioner Mkhunjulelwa Ngwenya expressed his profound gratitude for the donation.
“On behalf of the Khami community and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to express my profound gratitude and humility as we accept this remarkable donation of a borehole and food rations. This generous gift is a testament to the Government’s commitment to improving the lives of all citizens, regardless of their circumstances or location. “Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and this borehole will have a transformative impact on the health, general well-being, and the dignity of our inmates and community,” said Comm Ngwenya.
He further extended his appreciation to President Mnangagwa and Prof Ncube for the vision and leadership in making the project a reality.
He described their dedication to the welfare of communities as truly inspiring saying they are honoured to be part of the beneficiaries of this endeavour.
“Khami Prison Complex has been experiencing water challenges for a very long time and with this gesture, our plight has been alleviated.
“We promise to protect and preserve this infrastructure. Furthermore, we wish to express our gratitude for the additional donations, including rice, mealie-meal and a Jojo tank. These gifts will significantly supplement the daily provisions of our inmates and further enhance our water harvesting efforts,” said Comm Ngwenya.
-@nyeve14
