Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
IN a city where dry taps have become part of daily life, a rare moment of relief unfolded in Nketa suburb on Sunday as residents gathered around a newly drilled, solar-powered community borehole — a lifeline in Bulawayo’s enduring water crisis.
For weeks, sometimes months, families in Nketa have endured life without running water, joining thousands across the city forced to wake before dawn to queue at distant water sources or rely on unsafe alternatives.
On Sunday, smiles replaced frustration as clean water gushed from a borehole drilled through a partnership between ward councillor Tavengwa Zidya and the Vanbeek Foundation.
The borehole, powered by solar energy, is expected to serve the entire community, easing pressure on households that have struggled amid erratic municipal water supplies.
“We promised that every section of Nketa suburb, where I am the elected councillor, would receive the amenities meant for the community. We are grateful to the Vanbeek Foundation for this partnership that has ensured access to water, which is a very vital human right,” said Clr Zidya.
For elderly residents and women, often the ones tasked with sourcing water for households, the borehole represents more than convenience; it restores dignity.
Ms Tiffany Vanbeek, representing the non-profit organisation, said the sight of elderly women smiling as water flowed freely reaffirmed the foundation’s mission.
“A few years ago, we were involved in feeding programmes for children, which was very fulfilling, but we realised that to make a lasting impact, we needed to empower women, who are the backbone and breadwinners of families.
“Today we are here in Nketa to uplift women by donating a solar-powered borehole. We thank Councillor Zidya for showing us the real need in this community, not just for water, but also for a nutrition garden that this borehole will support,” she said.
Beyond quenching thirst, the project is expected to spur small community initiatives such as nutrition gardens, helping families improve food security in a city battling rising living costs.
Clr Zidya said water access remains a priority in his ward, especially as Bulawayo continues to grapple with an acute water shortage.
“Everyone knows Bulawayo is facing serious water challenges. In Nketa, we are doing everything possible to ease the burden. This partnership shows that when communities, leaders and organisations work together, solutions are possible,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu