Life-saving Boreholes bring clean water to rural Zimbabwe

The drought-prone region of Matabeleland has seen the flow of clean water thanks to boreholes provided by the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, an initiative supported by the World Mission Fund.

Matabeleland, a semi-arid region of south-western Zimbabwe, is an area acutely impacted by climate change. The region has been experiencing repeated periods of prolonged drought, with conditions worsening last year due to an extreme El Niño event. The late onset of rains and below-average rainfall have had a significant impact on the communities in the Province, creating food insecurity and challenging rural life.

Last November, I visited Matabeleland in Zimbabwe and was devastated to see the impact of persistent drought in the region. I wrote:

“The drought continues to be truly devastating. Its’ impact is visible everywhere. For hundreds of miles, the land is parched and devoid of growth except for small trees. Rivers and streams are dry. Animals are starving, wandering aimlessly in the bush searching for food and water, mostly without success. The local people cannot grow any crops. Therefore they cannot provide food for themselves or their animals. Most importantly, they need water. With water they could grow food and crops for themselves and their animals. Local Church members say boreholes are the only way to guarantee a water supply through periods of drought and to sustain life for humans and animals alike.”

In response to the drought, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe has dug three 80 metre boreholes, along with solar pumps, in the circuits of Bubi Ezra, Hwange and Manoti with one more to be completed. The Methodist Church in Britain have been able to support this work through the sharing of a £15,000 Solidarity Grant of the World Mission Fund.

The community is already seeing the fruits of this work:

• People and livestock are now drinking clean water.
• People no longer need to travel long distances to fetch water.
• Nutritional gardens are being planted to grow food for people and livestock alike.
• Ministers and their people are motivated and strengthened in their ministry.
• Collaboration has been increased with Government and local authorities.
• Poultry and small livestock rearing has been restarted.
• Livelihoods are being improved.
• Communities are more healthy.
• Waterborne diseases will be reduced.
• Water security during periods of drought will be enhanced.

Our partner church, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, is engaged in life-saving and life-transforming action in some of the most vulnerable communities.

Through the provision of emergency funding from the World Mission Fund, we are able to stand with them as they serve their communities and seek for all of God’s creation to flourish. This work is only made possible by your kind donations, to support the World Mission Fund click here.