Story by Providence Maraneli
FOR nearly a decade, the people of Gungwe in Gwanda South lived under the shadow of severe drought after their only dam was destroyed by a storm. Livestock perished, nutrition gardens collapsed, and families were forced to rely on distant and unreliable water sources.
Today, that story has changed. Thanks to a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) initiative led by the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, the dam has been fully rehabilitated—ushering in a new era of agricultural revival, food security, and community development.
Villagers say life has improved dramatically.
“We are grateful to the government and the community Ownership trust, our problems with water are gone,” a villager said.
“We are now irrigating and our boarding school has water,” a parent said.
“We are happy we used to struggle, especially during this time of the year, but here we are, the water is still here,” a beneficiary said.
The rehabilitation of Gungwe Dam, funded through an investment exceeding US$300 000, is transforming livelihoods. Irrigation schemes have resumed, fish and horticulture projects are flourishing, and the local economy is showing renewed vitality.
Chairperson of the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, Chief Mathema, said the project reflects the enduring value of the Government’s economic empowerment model.
“This event is the culmination of an enormous collective effort which began when our government launched the Community Share Ownership Schemes. From that moment, we have achieved great strides in economic and social development over the years of the socio-economic development agenda. The Trust funds have been used for both social and enterprise development projects, notably the construction of clinics, school infrastructure, property development for the Trust, rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, poultry out-grower schemes, among others,” he said.
The project, which has set the community on a development pathway, is a testament to what can be achieved when government, the community and the private sector work together.
“I am happy to be part of the Gungwe project. We worked well, and the community Share Ownership trust never gave us any challenge, and the community was united,” contractor, Mr Jimmy Goddard said.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, said the dam’s revival symbolises the success of partnership-led development.
“This is a clear demonstration of what we can do when we are united. What the people of Gungwe have achieved will change the area and benefit the future generation,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Omphile Marupi, highlighted the project’s alignment with national priorities.
“As the people of Gwanda South, this project means a lot. Our President is saying that no place is going to be left behind, and this is what has happened. Now we have fish projects for youths, and the community is now pursuing horticulture projects,”he said.
The dam, which provides water to more than 3 000 households, came at a time when Matabeleland South Province had taken a proactive approach in the fight against climate change.
“The Gwanda Community Economic Empowerment Trust is a shining example of the economic and social benefits derived from the economic empowerment agenda championed under the Second Republic. From 2013 to date, PPC through the PPC Special Community Trust has contributed US$2 million towards the CEET. These funds are used for both social and enterprise development projects, notably this rehabilitation of Gungwe Dam we are witnessing today, school infrastructure, property development, rehabilitation of irrigation for the Trust, schemes, poultry out-grower schemes, among others,” Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu said.
Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, which now owns a 10 % shareholding in Blanket Mine, is implementing transformative projects in Gwanda communities, which include the construction of science laboratories and dams.
