Story by Courage Bushe
A new piped water scheme established in Bungwe, Mberengwa, through a partnership between government and a local chrome mining company, is already transforming livelihoods by improving access to clean water and supporting agricultural production.
The project, which is currently benefiting 37 households, is expected to reduce the burden of travelling long distances to fetch water while enabling year-round farming in the drought-prone district.
“With this water project, I’m confident that a greenbelt will be created in this area, as we can now farm throughout the year. This is a great development for us,” said one beneficiary.
“The investment has come at the right time, as we were facing numerous challenges such as walking long distances to access potable water. This will also enable us to venture into horticulture production, helping us address financial pressures,” added another community member.
Government officials and traditional leaders agree that the project represents a major step forward in national efforts to ensure access to clean and reliable water in rural areas.
“Provision of water is very important in the development agenda. Water is a key enabler of economic activities that empower our local communities. We want such projects extended to every corner of the Mberengwa community,” said Chief Bvute.
Mberengwa District Development Coordinator, Mr Vafios Hlabati, highlighted the project’s alignment with national goals.
“This is a key enabler towards the realisation of Vision 2030. It is one of the critical elements outlined in the NDS1 and NDS2 blueprints, which require every community to have access to water. With this initiative, local people will be able to farm on their land throughout the year,” he said.
The Bungwe Piped Water Scheme is part of the government’s Rural Development 8.0 Model, which aims to transform rural economies in line with Vision 2030.
