Isaiah Ncube
GOKWE – The Presidential borehole drilling programme has started in Gokwe South with two being completed at Chitungwa and Chihehe villages recently.
The programme is a swift response to Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee reports that Gokwe South District continues to register low water and sanitation coverage due to lack of clean and drinking water and rampant use of unconventional toilets.
Government intends to drill 34 boreholes in Gokwe South.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Owen Ncube applauded President Emerson Mnangagwa for initiating the borehole drilling programme made possible through the procurement of the high-tech drilling equipment.
“I am delighted to share with you that the launch of Gokwe South borehole drilling blitz has been made possible through the successful procurement of high-tech equipment using allocated devolution funds to complement agriculture 8.0, Vision 2030 accelerator targeting 35 000 boreholes and village business units nationally.
“Gokwe South Rural District Council is targeting at least 34 boreholes in 2024 covering all the constituencies, in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no place and no one behind.”
“Now that Gokwe South RDC has a drilling rig, we expect to see water and sanitation coverages improving from the current 45 percent and 33 percent respectively,” Minister Ncube said.
The devolution and decentralisation agenda is being implemented to uplift the livelihoods of previously marginalised communities which saw some organisations receiving donations from the Minister’s Independence Ball charity dinner.
“I am pleased to announce that from part of the proceeds from our fundraising initiatives, I have today donated mealie meal, cooking oil, blankets, sanitary pads and soap to several needy institutions that include St Agnes Children’s Home, St Tabeth Children’s Home, Gokwe Prison, Gokwe South District and Kana Mission Hospitals,” Ncube said.
The community was encouraged to embrace local currency for significant economic recovery.
“As we strengthen the new dispensation’s economic recovery and growth trajectory underpinned by National Development Strategy 1, I urge you all to embrace our local currency the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) now in circulation.
“A team from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is currently in our province conducting ZiG awareness campaigns. I appeal to you to attend their campaigns to get first-hand information about our new currency,” said Minister Ncube.
