Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Kezi
THE Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube on Saturday commissioned a Village Business Unit (VBU) at Mhlasi Village in Matobo District, bringing relief to 45 community members.
The VBU, implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZim) in partnership with Arctic Blue Asset Management, consists of a solar-powered borehole and a nutrition garden.
The borehole features a solar pump, two water tanks and taps, and will serve about 432 households.
Speaking during the commissioning, Prof Ncube said the project ends the long walks villagers endured to fetch water.
“Girls will no longer have their education disrupted. Families will now be able to grow nutrition gardens and keep livestock, improving both health and household incomes.
“The people of Matobo are a people of resilience and it is that dignity which we honour today,” he said.
SECZim board chairman Professor Mabutho Sibanda said the 65-metre-deep borehole includes a 10 000-litre storage tank and supports irrigation and livestock.
“We believe this initiative will provide clean water, reduce walking distances, improve livelihoods and support climate adaptation,” he said.
Beneficiary Mrs Dorcas Ngwenya revealed that the VBU directly assists 26 females, 19 males, 11 youth and seven pensioners.
“We no longer have to walk long distances. We can now grow vegetables even in this dry region,” she said.
Matobo MP and Public Service Minister Edgar Moyo also witnessed the ceremony.
The borehole is the first of ten such projects SECZim plans to drill across all provinces, prioritising vulnerable communities.
derick.khumalo