Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
Over 1000 residents of Masekera, Guruve have benefitted from the installation of a new piped water scheme initiated by government and its partner, Charity Water to improve water availability in the area.
The piped water scheme will cater for 1017 villagers in line with Vision 2030.
“We have accepted this program for water, we used to wake up as early as 2 or 3 am to fetch water from streams which would at times run dry, this has alleviated several challenges we encountered because at times you would leave children sleeping alone at home,” said a villager.
A newly constructed disability friendly latrine and a stand pipe were also handed over to Emelda Masekera, who lives with disability, signalling a commitment to inclusive development.
t is now easy for me to use the latrine because it is disability friendly, complete with a pathway from my doorstep and there is also a stand pipe that makes it easy for me to fetch my own drinking water,” she said.
Government is upbeat the Masekera piped water scheme will promote sustainable development and improve public health in Guruve district.
“The NDS1 prioritises provision of potable water and sanitation as essential components for achieving sustainable development and improving public health across Zimbabwe, hence the Masekera piped water scheme is a milestone,” noted Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution,
Honourable Christopher Magomo.
Speaking to ZBC News, WASH team leader, Mclean Murenga highlighted that eight other piped water schemes have been established in Guruve and await commissioning.
“We have managed to rehabilitate about 78 boreholes in Guruve district, drilled 36 new boreholes and established eight piped water schemes of which Masekera piped water scheme is one of the eight piped water schemes. It has a total of 1017 people benefitting including a school which has an enrolment of 807 school pupils and 6 villages,” he indicated.
Improved water and sanitation are part of the vision 2030 targets, with the country seeking to become an upper middle income society by 2030.
