5000 benefit from water project

AT least 5 000 villagers in Ward 16 of Chipinge who are the host community of Tongogara Refugee Camp are benefitting from a solar water system installed in the area.

Walking for long distances to access water is now a thing of the past after a water reticulation programme spearheaded by the African Development Programme Bank (AfDB) was extended to the host community.

The villagers were grappling with access to quality water as they were drinking salty water which is found in the area. Beneficiaries are in Musapingura A and B, Zakatani as well as those at Maronga Primary School.

Chipinge Rural District Council Ward 16 Councillor Rephious Mapahla confirmed the development and said locals are over the moon.

“It was noted that some of the projects rolled out for refugees at Tongogara Camp should be extended to the host community to reduce pressure on amenities at the camp.

“A state-of-the-art water reticulation system has since been installed and the majority of villagers surrounding the camp are benefitting.

“The area has salty water, but engineers strategically sited the area with fresh water. Nine water taps were installed at Maronga Primary School,” said Councillor Mapahla.

Village head, Mutape Enock Tapera welcomed the development.

“We are now benefitting from the projects being rolled out here. As the local leadership, we are very grateful for the gesture and will continue co-existing with our brothers and sisters at Tongogara Camp,” he said.

Village head Tapera also called for the rehabilitation of the Kondo-Chibuwe-Mwacheta Road.