Story by Gay Matambo
THE China Aid Borehole Sinking Programme, which has been implemented in four provinces across the country, including Manicaland Province, is already bearing fruit, with more than 75 000 individuals benefiting from the initiative.
The life-changing infrastructure development project was officially handed over to the Government this Friday in the Runyararo area of Chimanimani District by the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Ambassador Zhou Ding.
For years, villagers in these communities walked long distances to fetch water from unprotected shallow wells, exposing households to waterborne diseases.
With boreholes now located within their communities, residents of Runyararo could not hide their joy, describing the intervention as a major relief, particularly for women and children.
“One would carry a heavy bucket on one’s head back up the hill, and by the time they got home, they would be exhausted to do anything else. China Aid has brought life right to our doorstep. Seeing clean water gush out of this borehole feels like a dream,” a beneficiary said.
“The borehole is a true blessing to Runyararo. It has restored our dignity. We are deeply grateful to the government and the Chinese partners for remembering us and shortening our long journeys to find water,” another beneficiary said.
“The project has brought clean water directly to our village. The long walks are history. Women can save their energy for farming, and we are also establishing nutritional gardens to feed our families,” a villager said.
The borehole programme covers Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Midlands and Masvingo.
The infrastructure is already supporting small rural enterprises and improving nutrition through the establishment of community gardens.
“Back in April 2024, severe drought triggered by El Niño prompted His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a national state of disaster across Zimbabwe. 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 of Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, and Midlands to help local people cope with the acute water shortages,” Ambassador Ding said.
Speaking on behalf of the Government, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, said the initiative complements ongoing efforts under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme.
“Allow me to express, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, our deepest appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for this invaluable support. These boreholes are more than just water points, they are a source of life, dignity and hope for our communities. They also complement government efforts in the establishment of Village and School Business Units, as well as supporting the School Feeding Programme during the El Niño-induced droughts,” he said.
Over the past decade, Chinese assistance has delivered more than 1 000 boreholes across Zimbabwe, benefiting nearly 400 000 people and supporting rural industrialisation in line with the National Development goals.
