NEW: Boreholes bring relief to Norton residents

Nokuthula Dube

Norton Town councillors have initiated a borehole-drilling progrmame to curb the shortage of water in their community.

This initiative is done at ward level to help residents who do not have access to clean water.

More than twenty-five boreholes have been drilled in Norton so far.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail Online, Norton Town Council public relations and communications officer Mr Leeroy Kaponda said:

“On ward development initiatives, Norton Town councillors are doing a lot, one important programme is the community borehole drilling scheme, as you are aware that Norton Town Council has no water treatment plant of its own and is heavily relying on the City of Harare which is struggling even to supply its own catchment area.

“Council on its own has been drilling boreholes to ease water challenges. However, the council budget is constrained and as such councillors are now involved in community borehole projects.” he said.

Mr Kaponda said the project was spearheaded by Cllr Tinashe Machemedze during Covid-19 era.

“The first project was initiated by Cllr Laston Tachiona back in 2021, who managed to ensure that residents in ward 12 received adequate water.

“Other councillors have also taken the same stance and have been drilling boreholes in the following wards 10, 6, 12, and 13. Residents are now receiving water at their door steps.” he said.

“In Ward 13 only 1 borehole has been drilled so far whereas in Ward 10, 10 boreholes, Ward 6 , 7 boreholes now, Ward 2 there are two boreholes.

However, besides borehole drilling, some councillors are working hard to make sure the less privileged are also accommodated and have proper burials where councillor Eshawadi Chamunogwa initiated a burial society which will serve more than 400 families.

“In Ward 11 a burial society has 471 members, ward 11 Cllr Eshawadi Chamunogwa has initiated Ward 11 Burial Society with 471 members, the idea is to ease cost and charges being charged by burial societies.” said Kaponda.

The councillors are also working tirelessly to make sure its residents have proper shelter which has seen some councillors spearheading in negotiating proper deeds so that they don’t get duped by land barons.

“Councillor Angelina Moyana is facilitating the issuance of title deeds for Galloway Park residents. This is in line with the President’s Call to Action drive as it ensures property security to the residents.” said Kaponda.