Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) conducted a radio program on Skyz Metro FM with Umzingwane Rural District Council (URDC) Chairperson, Councillor Jethro Moyo, two Ward Advocacy Committee members, Khulani Ncube and Mary Gwanyira, this morning. The radio program sought to galvanize support and create a common vision insofar as water provision in the district is concerned.
The radio program was a follow up to a 2018 inaugural URDC Water Indaba which brought together stakeholders in the water provision value chain. Some of the stakeholders invited were councilors, ZINWA, the Office of the MP as well as WILD Ward Advocacy Committee members.
“Water tables have dropped significantly and, in that light, it makes it impossible for members of the community to draw water from boreholes that are within the village,” stated Mary Gwanyira, Umzingwane Ward 4 Ward Advocacy Committee member. “It defeats the whole purpose of having these boreholes in our Ward when we are not in a position to adequately utilize them.”
The councilor attributed the drop-in water levels to effects of climate change.
To curb water shortages in the area, the District Development Fund (DDF) has increased the number of boreholes in the Ward.
“After the Water Indaba, Council pledged to increase the number of boreholes in various wards within the District,” said Councillor Jethro Moyo, URDC Chairperson.
Water that is drawn from these community boreholes is in some cases unclean and this places the community at risk of waterborne diseases.
Councillor Moyo emphasized the need for more engagements that will lead to increased access to clean water sources in Umzingwane District.
Source: Women’s Institute for Leadership Development
