By Andrew Zhou
CHIVI – A severe water crisis is gripping the Chidyamakono Denge area in Chivi North, threatening the survival of both livestock and villagers as key water sources continue to diminish.
Chivi North Member of Parliament Godfrey Mukungunugwa described the situation as dire, confirming that Denge Dam, once a primary water source, was severely damaged by heavy rains in 2022.
During a recent visit to the site, Mukungunugwa reported that surveyors assessed the damaged dam in preparation for a borehole drilling programme as an immediate intervention. However, the situation remains critical, as most existing boreholes have also begun to fail.
“Denge Dam that used to sustain both people and livestock was damaged by heavy rains, and only two small portions of water are left. Surveyors have been on the ground, but immediate action is needed. Boreholes are also drying up, making life extremely difficult for both villagers and livestock farmers,” said Mukungunugwa.
The legislator expressed serious concern that without urgent intervention, many farmers risk losing their livestock, the backbone of livelihoods in this drought-prone district.
He appealed to government departments and development partners to implement urgent water solutions, including dam repairs and accelerated borehole drilling.
“There is need for urgent action since the villagers were relying only on the dam for irrigation purposes. The livestock are good looking now but if the borehole drilling scheme delays, farmers will lose their cattle and drought will strike the area. We are expected to receive about 35 boreholes and we want to give thanks to ZINWA as they surveyed the sites for immediate drilling,” said Mukungunugwa.
The crisis in Chidyamakono reflects the growing impacts of climate change across Zimbabwe, with rural communities like Chivi bearing the brunt of erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells.
Villagers who spoke to TellZim News said they were now entirely dependent on boreholes for their livestock’s survival.
They confirmed that the surveyors had identified sites for new boreholes, but the arrival of drilling equipment remains anxiously awaited.
“Our animals are weak and can’t go for long without water. We were relying on the dam. We are appealing for help before we lose everything. The surveyors have come and we are expecting the drill rig earlier before the situation worsens,” said one villager.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that climate-induced water shortages will continue to affect livestock and crop production in semi-arid regions unless sustainable water harvesting projects are implemented on a priority basis.
