adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A NON-GOVERNMENTAL Organisation, Oxfam, is repairing 146 boreholes in Bulilima and 129 in Mangwe District in a bid to alleviate water challenges faced in the two districts. Eight wards in Mangwe and 10 in Bulilima District are set to benefit. In an interview, Mangwe House of Assembly Member, Cde Obedingwa Mguni, said villagers from the communities had been recruited to monitor the maintenance of the boreholes.
“Oxfam has started a borehole repairing programme in the district in conjunction with the District Development Fund (DDF). Eight wards which were facing severe water challenges were identified namely Tshitshi, Embakwe, Makorokoro, Makhubu Empandeni, Izimnyama communal, Izimnyama Small scale and Sanzukwi.
“In total 129 boreholes are going to be repaired in the district. The programme is expected to run up to April and it will go a long way in addressing water challenges faced in the district,” said Cde Mguni. “Fourteen trainees from these eight wards have been identified. They are currently undergoing training on how to maintain these boreholes that are being repaired in order to avoid severe damage in the near future.
“This is a good move as it is in line with the ZimAsset guidelines which call for empowerment of locals.”
Cde Mguni said the organisation was also working on putting up piped water schemes in institutions.
He said these projects were welcome in the district as they addressed the immediate needs of the community.
“Oxfam is also putting up water pipes at Maninji Clinic as well as at Maninji Primary and Secondary Schools. Maninji Clinic which is still under construction is almost complete and the water pipes will help guarantee reliable water source to the clinic as well as the two schools.
“These projects indicate a positive response from NGOs following a meeting which I had with them two months ago where I emphasised that organisations should implement programmes which are relevant to the people,” said Cde Mguni.
He said in addition World Vision was in the process of installing a piped water scheme at Sanzukwi Secondary.
Cde Mguni said the material of repairing the 129 boreholes had been delivered to the district.
Bulilima Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer John Brown Ncube said water and sanitation problems that were being experienced in his district had to be addressed as they had a negative impact on people’s livelihoods.
“Access to safe drinking water is important as it has an impact on people’s livelihoods. The district has several communities and institutions that are failing to access clean water such as Bezu Clinic.
“Communities have put in place strategies to address these challenges but they also need support from the government as well as organisations,” said Ncube.
Online Reporter