Story by Online Reporter
CHINA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s development agenda following the successful completion and handover of the China-aid 300 Boreholes Drilling Project, which has brought clean water to more than 75 000 people across four provinces.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Chimanimani this Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, described the project as a demonstration of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
“Today, this project has brought clean water to more than 75 000 residents across 300 villages, 21 districts, and four provinces,” Ambassador Ding said.
The project was implemented in Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands provinces following the El Niño-induced drought that prompted President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a national state of disaster in April 2024.
“As Zimbabwe’s all-weather friend, China swiftly responded to the President’s call by rolling out the 300 Boreholes Project in the drought-stricken areas… to help local people cope with the acute water shortages,” he said.
Ambassador Ding noted that beyond providing safe drinking water, the boreholes are improving livelihoods and agricultural productivity in beneficiary communities.
“These boreholes do not just supply safe water for daily use and farming. They also help reduce waterborne diseases and strengthen agricultural resilience. With reliable water access, crop farming, livestock rearing, poultry raising and vegetable cultivation have all thrived in the local communities,” he said.
He added that the initiative has significantly improved the lives of women and children.
“This project has also empowered tens of thousands of women and children, freeing up their time for schooling and other meaningful work to build better livelihoods.”
The Ambassador paid tribute to Chinese and Zimbabwean engineers and workers who completed the project under challenging conditions.
“In less than two years, the project team reached 300 villages across four provinces amid countless challenges,” he said.
“They sometimes slept in leaky temporary camps or in their vehicles. They fell ill with fevers from tick bites; some worked at borehole-drilling sites for five consecutive days while battling fevers.”
According to Ambassador Ding, the completion of the latest project builds on years of cooperation in water development between the two countries.
“Over the past ten years, we have drilled more than 1 300 boreholes across Zimbabwe, delivering clean water and agricultural irrigation to approximately half a million people.”
The Ambassador also highlighted broader cooperation between Zimbabwe and China, including food assistance, agricultural technology transfer, irrigation development and infrastructure projects.
He said China recently introduced a zero-tariff policy for products from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, a move expected to boost exports and create more economic opportunities.
“This policy will substantially expand access for Zimbabwean products to the vast Chinese market, promote local industrial growth, and create more jobs and income opportunities for Zimbabwe.”
Ambassador Ding said China remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s development aspirations.
“China will continue to stand firmly with Zimbabwe as you implement the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and work toward Vision 2030.”
He expressed confidence that the partnership between the two countries will continue to deliver tangible benefits to communities.
“May these water boreholes keep bringing clean water, good health, hope, and lasting prosperity to local communities for generations to come.”
