Online Reporter
Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT, in partnership with the private sector, has drilled over 50 000 boreholes under the Presidential Rural Development Programme (PRDP), to ensure access to potable water and give impetus to rural industrialisation.
The PRDP is a bold vision for rural upliftment that seeks to establish village business units (VBUs) across 35 000 villages.
Government also intends to build of 4 800 youth business units and 9 600 school business units to empower communities and boost rural incomes through supporting agricultural initiatives, fisheries and livestock.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority will drill and equip 35 000 boreholes across the country’s eight rural provinces, ensuring that every village has access to clean water.
Various partners have already drilled over 50 000 boreholes, with 3 795 drilled and 1 398 equipped under the PRDP.
“Over 50 000 boreholes have been drilled under various schemes, including the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency and private players,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri.
“Families can now access clean water from solar-powered boreholes and start community gardens.
“VBUs have proved to be a game-changer for the beneficiary rural communities whose lives are being transformed in terms of food security, employment creation and enhanced income generation.”
The PRDP is an integral part of the broader Rural Development 8.0 initiative, which includes various programmes such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa, Presidential Poultry Scheme, Presidential Goat Scheme, Presidential Fisheries Scheme, and the Presidential Cotton Inputs Scheme.
Private players like Prevail Group International have partnered with Government in establishing VBUs across the country.
The company’s chairperson, Dr Paul Tungwarara, said by ensuring every village has a solar-powered borehole and a community garden, the PRDP aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision to bring water to people and leave no one behind.
“As the private sector, we are doing our part in response to the President’s call. We are determined that every village has a borehole,” said Dr Tungwarara.
“On our part, we have drilled more than 9 000 boreholes and, funds permitting, we will drill many more.”
The Government is committed to uplifting the standards of living for rural communities, reducing the distances travelled in search of water and alleviating the burden on women and girls, who are often primarily responsible for fetching water in their households.
Online Reporter