… as Delta Corporation funds solar-powered borehole
By Beverly Bizeki
There is a sigh of relief for the Nyahunda Community in Bikita district of Masvingo after Delta Corporation recently funded and commissioned a US$ 10,000 solar-powered borehole for the community and its two schools, Tagona Secondary and Chitenderano Primary Schools.
In a statement, Delta said the project is an attempt to improve access to clean water in the vulnerable Nyahunda community to fight against the Cholera as Bikita has perennial water challenges.
“The project which started late last year is focused on addressing the problem of inadequate water and poor sanitation at Tagona and Chitenderano Schools and the community in Nyahunda that will also contribute towards mitigating the spread of the ongoing Cholera epidemic,” reads part of the statement.
Delta Corporation Limited Corporate Affairs General Manager Patricia Murambinda said the project was aimed at assisting communities in fighting against cholera as well as alleviating water shortages caused by climate change for some of the vulnerable communities in the community.
“This project has enabled us to take a step towards empowering communities to fight against the cholera pandemic while delivering on the vital human need of access to water. The provision of the solarised borehole will alleviate climate change-induced water shortages in rural areas housing some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the country which has been made possible through a generous grant from Delta,” said Murambinda.
The borehole project will benefit over 5 000 people including learners from both schools.
The corporation has also sponsored the refurbishment of some facilities at Chitenderano to the tune of US$ 15,000 after the buildings’ roofs were destroyed by heavy rains in October last year.
“The refurbishment of the classroom block, a teacher’s house, and ablution facilities aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” she said.
Murambinda also said the project influenced other stakeholders and alumni to participate in community projects including the rehabilitation of a borehole at one of the local clinics.
“We are encouraged that this project has acted as a catalyst for alumni and former learners to participate in community projects. Some of them recently teamed up to rehabilitate a borehole at Ngorima Clinic which is catering for the increased cholera cases in the district,” said Murambinda.
Bikita is well known for perennial water shortages and has been one of the hardest hit areas by cholera in Masvingo province.
