By Eugenie Muchetu
Goromonzi, (New Ziana) – Nestled at the foot of a picturesque mountain in the heart of Vhuta ward, Henry John Reimer Clinic in Goromonzi has long been a beacon of hope for the local community. But for years, the clinic struggled with an unreliable water supply, hampering its ability to provide essential health services.
This all changed recently with the installation of a solar-powered borehole, breathing new life into the facility and bringing much-needed relief to the dedicated staff and villagers. The once-dormant water system now pulses with renewed vitality, thanks to this life-saving initiative.
The clinic’s Sister-in-Charge, Sr Noreen Munyati, expressed deep gratitude to PreacherHead Ministries for installing the solar pump. She detailed the clinic’s struggles with severe water shortages due to unreliable electricity.
Frequent faults and an erratic supply, worsened by a vandalized transformer, often left the clinic reliant on unprotected water sources such as wells and a stream from nearby farms. Although the Goromonzi Rural District Council (GRDC) drilled a standby borehole and installed a bush pump, the situation remained challenging.
The clinic staff faced the arduous task of manually pumping and fetching water in buckets to meet their needs.
“The borehole was drilled by the council, and we opted for a bush pump because the electricity supply was unreliable. The clinic, especially our maternity section, needs to remain clean and functional. We use a flushing toilet system. Fetching water early in the morning and late evening was risky, and with only one person on duty at night, relatives often had to assist,” said Sr Munyati.
Despite many promises from individuals and local companies, it was only PreacherHead Ministries that delivered by installing a solar-powered pump and pipes, revamping the water system and filling the two 15 000-litre tanks, support which has been a lifeline for the health institution which serves over 18 000 people.
The clinic, staffed by four permanent staff, attends to approximately 700 people monthly from surrounding farms and distant areas like St Pauls Musami turn-off and Juru Growth Point. PreacherHead Ministries installed a solar-powered pump on the existing borehole, repaired the water piping system and connected it to the water tanks. “Working in the lab, water is essential.
Every specimen needs proper cleaning if there are spillages. Previously, we relied on the bucket system due to a lack of running water. Now, with a functioning water system, our safety is greatly improved,” said Amos Sadomba, a primary counsellor and focal person for HIV counselling and testing at the clinic.
“We are incredibly thankful and hope they can assist with any maintenance issues, as the system had been non-operational for a long time.” Tinotenda Kareya from Arusha, a nearby farm, said until the latest development at the clinic, the villagers relied on water brought to the area in bowsers by the GRDC. The staff members pointed to the need to engage a guard to protect the new infrastructure, as the area has experienced vandalism in the past.
Sr Munyati explained: “PreacherHead Ministries have promised to secure the pump with a slab and welded rods, but the community is discussing the possibility of providing a guard. We used to charge patients $1 for services to pay guards, but now with free services, we don’t have the funds. We are reaching out to farmers for support, although many farm workers are temporary and won’t be able to contribute. We hope the farmers will help.”
The effects of climate change and successive droughts have worsened water challenges in many communities around the country. Through the Presidential Borehole Scheme, the government aims to drill 35 000 boreholes in rural areas with 3 349 already completed, ensuring every village in Zimbabwe has access to clean water.
This initiative also extends to urban areas, highlighting the government’s commitment to universal clean water access. PreacherHead Ministries, a faith-based non-profit organization founded in 2014, has joined the government in providing clean water to communities, along with like-minded individuals and companies.
Founded by Pastor Stevie Robinson from Chicago, United States of America after witnessing the water challenges on his first visit to Zimbabwe in 2012, the organization’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and provide relief to the homeless, poor, and needy. It is dedicated to promoting volunteerism, offering food, shelter, clothing, and clean water to those in need.
The NGO has drilled several boreholes and installed water systems in areas such as the Red Valley Farm. In 2022, Pastor Stevie led a missionary group that provided clean water to five rural sites, including Rise Christian Academy in Chipfumbi, Goromonzi.
During their current visit, they have installed a water system at Rise Christian Academy and Henry John Reimer Clinic, and plan to drill a borehole at Pagejo Primary School, all costing over US$8 000.
Pastor Stevie said: “We assist anyone that needs water. We don’t do individuals but find communities suffering from chronic water shortages. We address the needs of as many as we can in centralized places.”
The organisation relies on donations from his home country to fund its projects. Melody Nzuwa, who runs Rise Christian Academy in partnership with JR Turner Foundation, had this to say: “PreacherHead Ministries drilled a borehole for us, solving our water problems. If you are dealing with children, you need clean water. We previously relied on water from neighbouring farms.”
The community centre currently serves 60 children aged 9-16 in ECD A and B and Grade One, with five staff members. They offer free education and two meals daily.
Initially, the centre catered to children from ECD to grade 4 but had to limit services to lower grades due to financial challenges. Despite constitutional guarantees, many communities still lack access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use, affecting their ability to sustain their families.
There is need for local churches, individuals, organizations, and companies to follow in PreacherHead Ministries’ footsteps and help communities gain access to clean water.
This crucial task should not be left to the government alone.
New Ziana