Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Magunje solar-powered piped-water scheme has been commissioned, with the project expected to provide reliable access to clean water for about 10 000 people at Magunje Growth Point in Hurungwe.
The project was commissioned this morning by Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Engineer Benjamin Kabikira, who also handed over 34 motorbikes and a fire tender to Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC).
The water scheme, which was internally funded by HRDC, is expected to ease perennial water shortages at the growth point and ensure reliable supplies to residents, travellers and businesses.
Magunje serves as a strategic transit point connecting travellers to rural Kariba, parts of the Midlands and Matabeleland North.
The scheme is equipped with 25 000-litre storage tanks and will also supply clean water to local schools, the clinic and the army barracks when the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) is unable to provide water, particularly during power outages and load-shedding.
Deputy Minister Kabikira commended HRDC for coming up with locally driven solutions to challenges affecting communities.
The project was also welcomed by the council’s Social Services Committee chairperson, Councillor Morgan Masewe, who said the decision to establish the scheme followed concerns raised by vendors at Magunje bus terminus.
He said the vendors had highlighted the impact of water shortages on their livelihoods and the wider community, prompting council to explore a sustainable solution.
