Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
The Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme in Zimbabwe is a transformative initiative that continues to empower rural communities by significantly improving access to clean water.
By addressing critical water shortages, the scheme is redefining rural life, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting food security.
With a focus on community involvement, the programme not only provides sustainable water sources for households but also fosters economic growth and creates opportunities for education.
As it tackles challenges such as waterborne diseases and reduces the burden of water collection, the initiative is paving the way for resilient and self-sufficient communities across Zimbabwe.
Launched in December 2022, the programme aims to drill one borehole per village, ensuring clean and safe water for communities, schools, and agricultural projects.
By mid-2025, the Government had successfully drilled over 4,000 boreholes under the Presidential Rural Development Programme (PRDP), while the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) had drilled over 45 000, enhancing living conditions and promoting sustainable development across the nation.
This monumental initiative aims not only to ensure access to clean water but also to pave the way for transformative rural industrialisation.
The PRDP is a bold vision for rural upliftment that seeks to establish 35,000 Village Business Units (VBUs) across 35,000 villages. The programme, managed by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), has already achieved remarkable milestones.
So far, 2 890 boreholes have been drilled under the scheme, benefiting numerous families.
The distribution of these boreholes is significant, with Manicaland contributing 429, Mashonaland West 206, Midlands 300, Masvingo 535, and Harare 346, among others. Additionally, 156 VBUs, 42 School Business Units (SBUs), and 21 Chief Business Units (CBUs) have been established to foster local engagement and entrepreneurship.
Communities across Zimbabwe are starting to reap the benefits of this initiative. Residents in Muzarabani have expressed their appreciation for the programme, which they believe will eradicate water scarcity, allowing them to engage in life-sustaining agricultural projects.
Mr Gift Mubinyi said the programme has positively changed their lives.
“The programme is greatly appreciated because it gives us the opportunity to grow crops which do not usually thrive in our region. Our area does not receive enough rainfall, so with boreholes, we can grow maize to sustain our families.”
Mr Martin Chiguma emphasised the importance of water.
“A decent way of living can be earned if there is sufficient water.
“Diseases spread if there is a lack of water. We are glad that we can now introduce different projects that will sustain our families.”
Residents like Mr Abraham Mushonga from Kambuzuma highlighted the impact of drilled boreholes on agricultural productivity.
“With water, people can grow different types of crops throughout the year, which helps them to increase profits. We are grateful to the Government for these useful initiatives which uplift the lives of the majority of people across the country.”
In Epworth, community members have been especially vocal about the transformation in their daily lives.
Mrs Memory Mugoni said the initiative has reduced long queues.
“We would like to thank our President for drilling boreholes in this area. We are very happy because when we used to visit wells to fetch water, we would spend the whole day queuing to fill up a 20-litre bucket.”
Mrs Abigirl Munetsi added:
“We are grateful since we used to have the heavy burden of carrying buckets in wheelbarrows and pushcarts to fetch water from unprotected sources, but now we have boreholes that provide clean and safe water.”
Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, underscored the significance of the initiative.
“Drilling of boreholes is critical for people’s livelihoods. Families can now access clean water from solar-powered boreholes and start community gardens that will alleviate poverty as they engage in growing horticultural products.”
The impact of the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme extends far beyond mere water access. It enables the establishment of community gardens, serves as a cornerstone for food security, and provides water for livestock and agricultural needs.
Ultimately, this initiative is critical in paving the way for a more sustainable future, aligning with Zimbabwe’s vision of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
Through improved access to clean water, the Government is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term community empowerment and economic growth.
