RIDA’s new rigs can drill up to 200m

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) is set to receive new rigs that can drill up to 200 metres to ensure more water for the people.

RIDA director-general, Mr Christopher Shumba, said the new rigs had  better technology than what the country presently has and were necessary to improve water supply in areas where levels had declined.

The organisations is moving across the country to check on boreholes whose water levels have receded and they deepen them or drill side holes.

The latest new drilling rigs are a necessity in such areas.

The Government has also procured other road equipment including graders, dozers and compactors to improve rural infrastructure.

Despite being hampered by sanctions, Mr Shumba said the Government was committed to recapitalising RIDA.

“We don’t want people to suffer from drought and shortage of water. The equipment, which was procured through a contractor, will land (in the country) soon,” he said.

“The Government promised rural communities that it would develop and rehabilitate their roads. As soon as the equipment lands, you will see a lot of changes.

“Government’s ambition is to bring food as close to the people as possible so that they don’t travel long distances carrying food aid.”

Mr Shumba said RIDA had several projects across the country, including in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces.

RIDA’s mandate is to ensure that communities travel easily, hence the focus on constructing good bridges and roads.

Mr Shumba said rural industrialisation cannot be meaningful without good transport systems.

Turning to the Karanda Road, Mr Shumba said it connects the hospital to the world.

“Life is now easier and cheaper for communities surrounding Karanda Hospital. The cost of living is now low because the road is trafficable,” he said.

“People end up at Karanda Hospital because they get better service here. Psychologically they get healed before they get treatment.

“It was extremely difficult to get her before, but now it is no longer expensive.”