Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has drilled over 50 000 boreholes under the Presidential Rural Development Programme (PRDP), in partnership with the private sector to ensure access to clean water and give impetus to rural industrialisation.
The PRDP is a bold vision for rural upliftment that seeks to establish 35 000 Village Business Units (VBU) across 35 000 villages.
Mooted to serve as economic hubs, the business units will also see the creation of 4 800 Youth Business Units (YBU) and 9 600 School Business Units (SBU), which will generate vital income for households. Through the units, the Government aims to empower communities and promote self-sufficiency to spur the economy.
ZINWA 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.
The boreholes will also support agricultural initiatives, fisheries and livestock.
“Over 50 000 boreholes have been drilled under various schemes, including the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency and private players,” Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said.
“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,” Prof Jiri emphasised.
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.
As the country looks inward for its development, private players like Prevail Group International are in the thick of things drilling boreholes and establishing Village Business Units across the country.
This comprehensive approach ensures that rural development is multifaceted, addressing not only water access but also agricultural productivity and economic empowerment, with previously disadvantaged groups like war veterans getting boreholes drilled at their homes.
Prevail Group International chairman 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 9000 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.
