Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, recently in Bulilima
STATE-OWNED communications giant, NetOne, commissioned a newly-drilled borehole at Mlomwe Village, Bulilima District in Matabeleland South last Wednesday, bringing relief to the villagers in the community and livestock.
The project is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and complements Government efforts in tackling water shortages in the wake of the El Nino-induced drought, which is also threatening livestock survival.
The adverse weather patterns are already being felt in Matabeleland South where more than 3 000 cattle have succumbed to the dry spell with farmers in Bulilima having lost over 1 500 beasts.
The Mlomwe borehole project is equipped with a 5 000-litre water tank, 600W solar panels, and four water taps.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, NetOne acting manager for the Matabeleland region, Gugulethu Mpofu, said the telecoms company was committed to building up on Government’s continued programmes to empower communities in need.
“As NetOne, through our corporate social responsibility arm, we are committed to changing lives for the better. As our tagline says, ‘The world in One’, we want to encourage the creation of a better environment in communities we save,” she said.
“An environment that will benefit all of us as Zimbabweans. We owe it to ourselves to give communities the amenities they need to live productive and healthy lifestyles.
“It is within our mandate to be there when communities are in need. We are unveiling this solar-powered borehole here in Bulilima to enable farmers to access water and continue their farming activities without hindrance.”
Mpofu urged other private sector players to extend similar projects to provide the pressing needs of communities.
NetOne public relations executive Mr Ernest Magadzire said the water facility was built in consultation with the villagers.
Bulilima constituency legislator, Cde Dingumuzi Phuti commended NetOne’s gesture, saying this was an example of how best corporates could work hand in glove in addressing challenges faced by citizens.
“The people of Bulilima extend their heartfelt gratitude to NetOne and the Government for their support. Water is life and NetOne saw it fit to drill and install this solar-powered borehole. This is a milestone achievement,” he said.
“We are experiencing a dry spell and having such assistance is a blessing that every community would ever wish for. On behalf of the Bulilima constituency, I would like to say well done to NetOne,” said Cde Phuti who is also the Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services.
Locals also paid tribute to NetOne for the support.
“We thank NetOne and Cde Dingumuzi Phuti. This is a partnership that also involved us as villagers. We were consulted in the process and we own this facility,” said one of the villagers. — @NkosieLegend
Online Reporter