USAid commits to rehabilitate 15 boreholes in Chiredzi

People of Chiredzi have received USD$960 000 from United States Agency International Development (USAid) towards rehabilitation of bordeholes to improve access to portable water.

USAid, through Mwenezi Development Training Centre (MDTC) will be funding the one year project that is aimed at rehabilitating 15 boreholes.

“Mwenezi Development Training Centre, is pleased to announce the El Niñ-induced Drought Response and Adaptation for Chiredzi Rural Communities project worth more than $960,000, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the generous support of the American people,” they added.

“The main initiatives will involve rehabilitating 15 boreholes, with nine converted to solar power, thereby improving access to clean water for both households and livestock,” reads the statement.

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in a decade and this has heavily impacted the alredy dry region of Chiredzi in terms of farming and livestock production.

The project will be implemented in 3 Wards in Chiredzi and it aims at benefiting over 8000 people and over 33 000 livestock.

“MDTC will implement the project in wards 10, 13, and 15 of Chiredzi District, supporting over 8,600 Individuals and more than 33,700 livestock,” reads the statement.

The initiative will benefit women and girl children who walk long distances to access water said MDTC in a statement.

“This means women and girls will no longer walk long distances to collect water. To support long-term sustainability, the project will provide training for water point user committees (WPUCs) and community members who manage the use of the pump, on the operation and maintenance of the water points,” said MDTC.

For technical support, the project will have 15 community health clubs to promote awareness on the dangers of open defacation

“The project will promote good sanitation and hygiene among 750 individuals, establish 15 community health clubs (CHS) and promote latrine construction at household levels to reduce open defecation,” said the organisation.

“In addition, the project will – support on- and off-farm livelihood opportunities for marginalized people–such as women, youth, the elderly, and people living with disabilities. It aims to engage 225 participants through village savings and loan associations. These individuals will receive training in financial literacy, focusing on managing public funds from WPUCs and CHCs. The funds generated will be used for repairing and maintaining water points and constructing latrines,” they added.