Story by Courage Bushe
MBERENGWA – THE recently commissioned Chingoma Piped Water Scheme in Mberengwa district has brought renewed hope to hundreds of families.
The scheme is improving access to clean and reliable water for more than 800 households, thanks to a transformative partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM).
The project, situated in the Gwai area of Mberengwa, is part of a broader drive by the Second Republic to deliver inclusive development and uplift marginalised rural communities through strategic public-private partnerships.
Beneficiaries, many of whom previously walked long distances to access potable water, expressed joy and gratitude for the initiative.
“The water I now access from the Chingoma scheme has changed my life. I have started irrigating maize and tomatoes, and from the proceeds, I have been able to pay school fees and buy uniforms for my children,” one local resident said.
“We want to thank our leadership, especially President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for allowing such people like FELM to invest in life-changing programmes in marginalised communities like ours. The investment has come at the right time when we were faced with a lot of challenges like walking long distances to get potable water,” a beneficiary said.
The project has already enabled community members to establish income-generating agricultural ventures, contributing towards household food security and improved livelihoods.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Her Excellency Ms Saana Halinen, Ambassador of Finland to Zimbabwe, commended the collaborative efforts between the Finnish mission and the Zimbabwean Government.
“Bringing water closer to people’s homes is not only about convenience it reflects a shared commitment to improving public health, empowering rural communities, and enhancing quality of life. We are proud to be part of this journey to alleviate hunger and transform marginalised areas like Mberengwa,” she said
Mberengwa District Development Coordinator, Mr Vafios Hlabati, described the water scheme as a critical enabler of socio-economic development in the region.
“This project not only improves access to clean drinking water but also supports sustainable agriculture and livestock rearing. The solar-powered water system is an example of environmentally conscious development that aligns with our national vision for rural transformation,” he said.
The Chingoma piped water scheme underscores the Second Republic’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in the national development matrix.
The initiative is a clear reflection of the Government’s inclusive development agenda, particularly in areas previously overlooked in terms of infrastructure and service delivery.
As Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 goals, partnerships such as the one between the Government and FELM continue to deliver tangible change, offering dignity, health, and economic opportunity to those who once lived on the margins.
