Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma in Bulilima
“BANU BEBUKALANGA bhatanani maboko, tjaba tjedu tjabuda muhhalima. Tjebukani mubone, yetjiyaa tjedza tjaswika, tjaba tjedu tjabuda muhhalima.”
This song echoed through the Bulilima thickets on Thursday morning as three solar-powered piped water schemes were commissioned. The song translates to “People of BuKalanga, let’s join hands, our community is now free from the darkness. Look and see, the light has come, our community is now free from the darkness.”
This is a dream come true for rural development, as several communities in Bulilima district have gained access to clean and reliable water through the implementation of solar-powered piped water systems. The innovative solution has transformed the lives of thousands of villagers, providing them with a consistent and sustainable source of water for domestic use, agriculture and livestock.
The introduction of the solar-powered water schemes in Bhorabhora and Kungubo villages under Chief Masendu and Manguba village under Chief Manguba has brought numerous benefits to the communities. Locals no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water from rivers or wells, freeing up time for more productive activities. The piped water systems are also set to improve hygiene and reduce the risk of water-borne diseases, contributing to better overall health and well-being.
The Government, through the Rural Infrastructural Development Agency (Rida), yesterday commissioned the three solar-powered piped water schemes. The installation of the solar system powering the piped water schemes was completed last year. The projects were constructed by communities, Bulilima District Water Sanitation Sub Committee in partnership with Save the Children and Goal.
With a capacity of 20 000 litres each, the piped water system will benefit over 2 000 villagers, 5 000 livestock, and will see the establishment of nutritional gardens for income projects. Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Albert Nguluvhe, represented by the provincial permanent secretary, Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko, commissioned the projects.
Addressing hundreds of villagers at Manguba Primary School where the official event was held, Minister Nguluvhe said the projects are a fulfilment of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which has always challenged local authorities and development partners to foster development in our communities.
“It’s essential to note that the projects address Sustainable Development Goal(SDG6), which seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The initiatives align perfectly well with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aspires to transform our nation into a prosperous, empowered and upper middle-income country.
“At the heart of this vision is a commitment to improving water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash), particularly in rural areas. It emphasises the value of long-term solutions that not only meet urgent needs but also improve our communities. The value of these piped water schemes cannot be overemphasised; it extends far beyond merely drinking water,” said the minister.
Minister Nguluvhe said the projects will open doors to several options for improving livelihoods and health outcomes, which includes provision of water for nutrition gardens, domestic use, as well as water for livestock.
“Allow me to appreciate the Head of State and Government His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa for creating an enabling environment for development partners to work and complement Government efforts on various development initiatives.
“Indeed, the call to action launched by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of , is already showing results as communities are now getting water on their doorsteps. I have no doubt that with such development we will by and large achieve an Upper Middle Income Society by 2030, for an empowered and prosperous Zimbabwe.
“The commissioning of these impactful piped water schemes in this area dovetails His Excellency’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. Matabeleland South as a province will not be left behind, with such massive infrastructure development,” he said.
ICT Deputy Minister, Cde Dingumuzi Phuti, who is the area legislator, also hailed President Mnangagwa for creating a good working relationship with organisations that bring development in the country.
“I would like to thank President Mnangagwa for allowing NGOs to come and work in the country so we can be able to achieve National Development Strategy (NDS1. Thumbs up also to the community for working closely with these organisations so that there is development in the area),” he said.
Villagers, who witnessed the event, also expressed excitement and joy.— @mthabisi_mthire
