Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Blessed Moyo, Sunday News
A new era of hope and relief has dawned on villagers of Bulilima district’s ward 18, after the Presidential Borehole Scheme donated a borehole, a submissive pump and a solarised system.
For years, the community had been plagued by the daunting task of trekking over 10 kilometres in search of basic clean water, a chore that had become an unbearable burden on the villagers.
The gruesome journeys, often undertaken by women and children, had not only taken a toll on their physical health but had also robbed them of precious time and energy that could have been better spent on more productive pursuits.
Speaking to Sund
ay News, the ward’s councillor, Land Ndebele (52) expressed gratitude to the Presidential Borehole drilling Scheme for its intervention that has brought relief to the villagers.
“This solarised borehole has helped the residents a lot because they can now breathe a sigh of relief as they have access to clean and safe drinking water right in their backyard,” he said.
The borehole that has been equipped with a submissive pump and solarised to ensure sustainability, is expected to serve over 40 households and about 200 people in the area, providing them with a reliable source of water for drinking, cooking and other domestic uses.
Clr Ndebele said the new water source has brought a sense of joy and liberation to the community, freeing them from the drudgery of long-distance water collection and allowing them to focus on more pressing developmental needs.
He revealed that villagers were previously forced to rely on a nearby dam for their water needs, sharing this precious resource with cows and other animals.
“The dam, which was the community’s sole source of water, presented a host of health risks, as residents were exposed to water-borne diseases due to the presence of animal waste and other contaminants,” he said.
“To make matters worse, the water from the dam was not safe for human consumption and residents had to boil it before using it for drinking and cooking, a task that was both time-consuming and labour-intensive,” said the Councillor.
Clr Ndebele explained that the situation was further exacerbated by the fact that the dam was not protected from animal encroachment and as a result, the water was constantly being contaminated by animal waste and other pollutants.
“The villagers are no longer slaves to the search for water; they can now live their lives with dignity and purpose,” he said.
The councillor said the new water source has not only brought relief to the residents but has also enabled them to pursue other productive activities.
“The residents have started a small community garden, which has been established to provide residents with a sustainable source of fresh produce.
“The garden has been a game-changer, providing them with a reliable source of nutritious food and helping to improve their overall health and well-being,” he said.
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