PAMELA MACHIDHA
Water has become a scarce and precious commodity for ward 10, Ukusvo, under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane as the community walks 5km to access clean water.
The community’s boreholes once a reliable source of water have fallen into disrepair and the villagers are now relying on one un-protected well (mufuku), exposing them to water borne diseases.
In an interview ward 10 councilor, Verengai Miti described the dire situation facing the community.
” Villagers in my ward are struggling to survive, water has now become a source of frustration. Its consuming people’s time and affecting their livelihoods. People now relying on an unprotected well which is unsafe and unable to meet the demand”.
“There are older people who do not manage to get water for basic needs”. We appeal to the government and non-governmental organisations to chip in to address this issue”.
Village head Mbulawadema stated that water problems have become a persistent problem in the area.
“The community has lived for several years without receiving tap water despite being billed every month for a service they are not receiving”.
” There is need for more boreholes to improve access to water in the area. ln accordance with the President’s vision of leaving no one or any place behind in terms of development, he said”.
Taruvinga Choto a 72-year-old resident of the community spoke with emotion of the preciousness of water.
” Every drop of water is a treasure. I wake up at the darkest hour, to “mufuku”, failure to do so, l return home empty-handed due to scores of villagers lined up for water.
“It’s a pity for us because there is no official bothered to come to drill even a single borehole in our community, said Choto”.
Tariro Nyoni a pregnant woman said women were the most affected by the challenges.
“Water crisis is a women’s crisis. The 5km journey in search of water is a toll order. Imagine a pregnant woman carrying a heavy vessel traveling that long. It’s a hazard to both the mother and the unborn child.
“The most troubling aspect of this crisis is the competition between human beings and animals for water. We are sharing the well with donkeys, cattle and dogs leading to contamination.
“If the problem is not addressed immediately, women will remain worst affected,” she said
According to World Health Organization (WHO) “Access to clean source of water is essential for human health and well-being”.
