Presidential borehole initiative brings reprieve to Umguza villagers

Blessed Moyo, Sunday News Reporter

THE Presidential Solar Borehole Drilling Initiative has given Sailorjack villagers in Umguza District’s Ward 14 the much needed reprieve after enduring years of walking long distances to the nearest water source.

The state-of-the-art donation, which is part of the Presidential Initiative on Water Access promises has come to the aid of over 40 households and 200 people. 

The solar-powered borehole was also installed with a 10 000-litre tank. 

In an interview, Ward 14 councillor, Delay Ncube said Sailorjack village One residents used to walk over seven kilometres daily, hence the project brought them a new lease of life.

“We received a solarised borehole at Sairlorjack Village One and the residents now have water near their homes,” said Clr Ncube.

He said the new borehole and tank will significantly improve the community’s health and well-being, especially for vulnerable households.

“These residents would walk more than seven kilometres to Nyokeni Village where there is a borehole just to get water for drinking, cooking and washing,” said Clr Ncube.

Sailorjack residents have leveraged the newly donated solarised borehole to launch small-scale agricultural farming, focusing on vegetable cultivation.

“This innovative initiative follows the borehole’s installation, which has provided a reliable water source. Almost all the households now cultivate diverse vegetables, boosting food security and income, particularly the solarised borehole has transformed our community’s livelihood,” said the councillor.

He said the residents can now focus on farming and other economic activities, boosting their livelihoods and contributing to the local economy as per the President’s, “Nyika inovakwa nevenhe vayo/ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” philosophy.

“As part of the Presidential initiative to uplift rural communities, this project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to providing essential services and promoting sustainable development in areas like Umguza,” said Clr Ncube.