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Victor Maphosa, Mashonaland East Bureau
For years, the residents of Meki village in Mudzi West constituency endured the daily struggle of fetching water from distant, unreliable sources. But now, thanks to the efforts of their local legislator, Cde Knowledge Kaitano, their water challenges have come to an end.
In a landmark move, Cde Kaitano spearheaded the drilling and solarisation of a borehole in the village, marking the first solar-powered borehole in the area.
This initiative not only addresses the community’s immediate needs but also is in line with the Government’s nationwide borehole drilling programme, which aims to provide two boreholes per village.
The new borehole is located near the constituency’s Heroes Acre, a site where thousands gather every year to honour fallen and living liberation war heroes during Heroes Day commemorations.
“This project was born out of necessity,” said Cde Kaitano.
“The demand for water in Ward 5 was increasing, and the heroes’ shrine nearby has been in existence for 40 years without a reliable water source. People would travel up to 5 km to fetch water, and even then, the existing borehole couldn’t meet the demand. I knew we had to act.”
The impact of the project has been transformative.
Five nearby villages now benefit from the borehole, and residents no longer have to rely on unsafe water sources like shallow wells.
Mrs Fadzanai Kapfunde, a local mother, shared her relief: “I used to walk 5 km to fetch water, resting multiple times along the way. Sometimes, we had no choice but to use water from dug-up wells. Now, I have clean water right here, and I’m so grateful to our MP for making this possible.”
The benefits extend beyond household use. Sabhuku Meki, the village head, highlighted how the borehole has also improved the lives of livestock and opened up new opportunities for the community. “Our animals now have a reliable water source, and we’re planning to establish a nutrition garden nearby. This will create income-generating opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Cde Kaitano has pledged to continue drilling boreholes across Mudzi West, ensuring that more communities gain access to clean water.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
“We will keep working to improve the lives of our people.”
For the residents of Meki village, the new borehole is more than just a source of water—it’s a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a testament to the power of community-driven solutions.
As they gather at the Heroes Acre this Heroes Day, they will do so with gratitude, knowing that their water woes are finally a thing of the past.
Online Reporter