Tendai Nyambara
BULAWAYO — Residents of Emakhandeni-Luveve Constituency are expected to benefit from improved access to clean water following the launch of a 1.3 million ZiG solar-powered borehole programme spearheaded by constituency MP Discent Collins Bajila and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Committee.
The initiative comes as Bulawayo continues to battle recurring water shortages that have left many communities relying on boreholes and alternative water sources for daily use.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Bajila said access to water should be treated as a basic right rather than a privilege.
“Water is a right, not a privilege,” he said.
According to Bajila, community consultations conducted in 2024 identified water access as one of the constituency’s most urgent priorities. In response, the CDF Committee allocated a significant portion of its budget towards long-term water infrastructure projects.
The programme includes the drilling and installation of solar-powered boreholes in several wards across the constituency, with leaders describing the project as a sustainable intervention aimed at easing pressure on residents affected by prolonged shortages.
Bajila urged communities to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure.
“As leaders, we can initiate development projects, but communities must also take responsibility for protecting and maintaining these assets for future generations,” he said.
Ward 16 Councillor Greater Gumede welcomed the project, saying it would provide relief to residents struggling with inconsistent water supplies.
“This is a much-needed intervention considering the water challenges residents are facing. We appreciate Hon. Bajila and the CDF Committee for prioritising this project,” said Gumede.
Pastor Gwetu of Ward 16 also commended the initiative but called for continued development in other sectors affecting residents.
“We are grateful for the borehole project, but there are still many community challenges that need attention,” he said.
The handover programme later moved to New Lobengula- Emakhayeni, where Ward 11 Councillor Suzan Sithole highlighted the importance of the solar-powered system for elderly residents.
“We already had boreholes, but using them was difficult, especially for elderly residents. This new system is a step in the right direction,” said Sithole.
Ward 11 resident Ndabenhle Fuzani appealed for the programme to be expanded to underserved areas within the constituency.
“Some communities are still being left behind, and we hope the programme can continue reaching those areas because many residents are still struggling,” said Fuzani.
Responding to the concerns, Bajila stressed the importance of public participation in community development planning.
“Development projects must reflect the needs of residents. Community members should attend CDF meetings so their priorities are properly represented,” he said.
Another resident from New Lobengula, identified as Moyo, encouraged greater community involvement in local initiatives.
“These boreholes are for everyone. It is disappointing when residents do not participate in community programmes but later complain about service delivery,” Moyo said.
Zanele Moyo, chairperson of the Zibuthe Residents Association under Ziyaphapha, said the project would particularly benefit women and elderly residents who often travel long distances to fetch water.
“Women will no longer have to travel long distances looking for water, while elderly residents can now access clean water closer to home,” she said.
Additional solar-powered boreholes are expected to be installed in Mafakela (Ward 13), Mtshingwe (Ward 12), Luveve 5 (Ward 11), and Easy Pick in Emakhandeni A Section (Ward 14).
The rollout marks a significant investment in community water infrastructure as Bulawayo continues to face pressure on its water supply systems.
