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Elita Chikwati, Features Editor
More than 8 000 people in Chiredzi District are expected to benefit from the El Niño-induced Drought Response and Adaptation project being implemented by a local organisation, Mwenezi Development Training Centre (MDTC).
The one-year project being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the tune of US$960 000 is targeted at enhancing access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
The project will be implemented in wards 10, 13 and 15 of Chiredzi District.
In a statement, the MDTC said the project will also focus on improving livestock productivity, accessing markets, and increasing incomes to mitigate the challenges these communities are facing due to the El Niño-induced drought.
“MDTC will implement the project in wards 10, 13, and 15 of Chiredzi District, supporting over 8 600 Individuals and more than 33 700 livestock,” read the statement.
“The main initiatives will involve rehabilitating 15 boreholes, with nine converted to solar power, thereby improving access to clean water for both households and livestock. This means women and girls will no longer walk long distances to collect water.
“To support long-term sustainability, the project will provide training for water point user committees (WPUCs) and community members who manage the use of the pump, on the operation and maintenance of the water points.”
The project will promote good sanitation and hygiene among communities, establish 15 community health clubs, and promote latrine construction at household levels to reduce open defecation.
The project will also support on- and off-farm livelihood opportunities for marginalised people–such as women, youth, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.
“It aims to engage 225 participants through village savings and loan associations. These individuals will receive training in financial literacy, focusing on managing public funds from WPUCs and community health clubs,” read the statement.
“The funds generated will be used for repairing and maintaining water points and constructing latrines.”
MDTC is a local organisation that strives to enhance food security and build resilience of the vulnerable rural households through integrated and participatory approaches.
“MDTC is grateful for the continued support and partnership with USAID, which has enabled it to improve the livelihoods of thousands of vulnerable families in Chiredzi,” read the statement.
Online Reporter