‘Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme not a campaign tool’

Sunday Mail Reporter

LAUNCHED ongoing Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme is not an elections campaign tool, but a long-term project to improve citizens’ access to potable water.

The scheme is being implemented across the country’s 10 provinces, especially in areas that are facing water challenges.

The programme, which was launched by President Mnangagwa last year to improve the availability of clean water, has also benefitted a number of high-density suburbs in Harare.

Yesterday, a new borehole that was drilled under the scheme was handed over to residents of Old Chikurubi Maximum Prison area in Harare East.

Speaking at the handover event, ZANU PF parliamentary candidate for Harare East constituency Cde Mavis Gumbo said the project will go a long way in providing clean water and addressing water shortages in the area.

“I would like to thank the President for this scheme, as residents will now access clean water.

“This is just but one of many projects that President Mnangagwa has fulfilled under the Second Republic.

“We have seen many dams, including Kunzvi, being constructed, proving President Mnangagwa’s commitment to providing water to the people,” she said.

The Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme is being spearheaded by Prevail International.

Prevail International group managing director Mr Tempter Tungwarara said three more boreholes will be drilled in the area from next week.

“Three more boreholes will be drilled by next week,” he said.

“Work should start as early as next week, and those who have not been employed should seize the opportunity and work during the installation of pipes.

“People should access clean water and this is what the President is looking forward to.”

Mr Tungwarara said the programme is not a campaign tool, but is part of President Mnangagwa’s broader vision for the attainment of an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

He also said the programme is in line with the Second Republic’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind”.

The opposition-run metropolitan and other urban centres around the country have been experiencing clean water shortages, with some areas going for weeks on end without water.

Communities like Budiriro, Glen View and Chitungwiza have been hit by water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid as a result of the erratic provision of water by the Harare City Council.