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Post Reporter
A TOTAL of 79 boreholes have so far been drilled in Manicaland under the Presidential Rural Development Programme, an initiative that has helped to mitigate water challenges and enhance food security and livelihoods in the serviced areas.
The scheme, in which the boreholes were equipped with solar accessories, is being implemented by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa).
The initiative is expected to benefit 1,8 million households countrywide as the Second Republic heightens efforts to reduce poverty in rural communities by unlocking opportunities in terms of access to clean and safe water and employment creation in line with National Development Strategy (NDS1).
In a statement, Zinwa spokesperson Mrs Majorie Munyonga said as of April 5, a total of 709 boreholes had been drilled in the country’s eight rural provinces which are being targeted under the programme.
“Of the 709 boreholes drilled to date, 79 have been drilled in Manicaland, 148 in Masvingo, 67 in Matabeleland South, 58 in Matabeleland North, 96 in Mashonaland West, 110 in Mashonaland Central and 78 in Mashonaland East.
“These boreholes will provide water for the villages to establish commercial horticulture gardens, orchards, poultry projects and fishery projects. The boreholes will also provide water to meet the villages’ drinking water needs as well as water for dip tanks and other needs,” she said.
Mrs Munyonga said Zinwa is working with other Government agencies like the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA), Agricultural and Marketing Authority (AMA), the Department of Irrigation, Tobacco Research Board (TRB) and Agritex.
Under the Presidential Rural Development Programme, Government will drill and equip a borehole in each of the country’s 35 000 villages by 2025.
Online Reporter