By a Correspondent
THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, Christopher Magomo, recently commissioned the Masekera piped water scheme in Ward 9 Chief Bepura, Guruve amid celebrations from several hundreds of villagers.
The piped water scheme is a result of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s commitment towards engagement and re-engagement mantra. These efforts have seen Charity Water, a United States of America based Private Voluntary Organisation funding Welt Hunger Hilfer (WHH), a German organisation which implemented the scheme.
Speaking at the event, Minister Magomo said: “This event marks a magnificent achievement in the national efforts to ensure that clean water and sanitation are accessible to every citizen.”
He thanked the development partners for the invaluable support they were offering to the communities. Minister Magomo said that the efforts of bringing water nearer to homes symbolised the Government’s commitment to improving public health and the quality of life for its citizenry.
The provision of clean water through the Masekera piped water scheme is in line with NDS 1’s approach of leaving no one and no place behind. Access to clean potable water will ensure that there would be a reduction in the incidents of water-borne diseases.
The District Water and Sanitation Subcommittee chairperson, Finch Mholo, said that over US$43 000 was used in the scheme which offers clean accessible water to over 200 households.
Mholo thanked members of his committee and the development partners for their hard work and commitment.
This life-changing scheme has been met with happiness and gratitude by the several villages. The Guruve Rural District Council Vice Chairperson, Muchaneta Mushonga, said the piped water scheme will help in reducing cases of gender based violence and fights in families. “There used to be suspicions of infidelity among some partners as one partner would take long to return from fetching water, this is now over as water is now available at door steps,” she said.
In addition to clean water provision, village pump minders and water point committees were also trained to manage the scheme by WHH. The residents also received training in ISOLs. These would generate income that would ensure the sustainability of the scheme. Already, over US$500 has been raised by the Masekera piped water scheme committee.
The District Information officer, Godfrey Chireru, said the Masekera piped water scheme is one of the eight piped water schemes that have been funded by the partners in the district.
He said that since its inception in February last year, WHH had rehabilitated 78 boreholes, drilled 36 new ones and constructed several toilets that are girl and disability friendly at various schools.
