By Nevson Mpofu
Masvingo — After decades of struggling with water scarcity, 150 families in Mutunduru Village in Chief Zimuto’s area, 40 kilometers north of Masvingo City, now have access to clean, safe water — thanks to a borehole and solar-powered tank system donated by Njiva Charities.
Villagers gathered on Sunday, August 3, at the Njiva family homestead, where the new water infrastructure was unveiled. The setup includes a high-capacity water tank with two taps, powered by solar energy and available to the entire community without restriction.
The project is the brainchild of Tsungai Njiva, a US-based Zimbabwean and founder of Njiva Charities, which has previously supported communities in Harare’s Kambuzuma area.
Speaking to the media, Njiva emphasized the importance of tackling climate-related challenges through community-driven solutions.
“We’ve endured years of hardship due to erratic rains and long distances to water sources,” she said. “As a child growing up in this village, I walked 3 to 5 kilometers daily to fetch water. I knew then this had to change.”
The initiative is part of a broader mission by Njiva Charities, which also addresses child abuse, drug use, and human trafficking in Zimbabwean communities.
Villagers expressed deep gratitude, describing the water project as life-changing. Refuge Chikoto, a local resident, praised Njiva’s efforts: “We used to dream of this. Now, clean water is just nearby. It’s a miracle.”
Tride Maturure, a local teacher, noted how the new access to water will also ease other burdens, particularly for women and girls.
“Before, our girls walked long distances for water. This exposed them to health risks and disrupted their education. Now, we can focus on hygiene, health, and learning.”
Water access will also improve sanitation and reduce water-borne diseases like cholera, which have long affected the region.
Villagers highlighted the urgent need for further development support in health and education to complement the water infrastructure.
Chief Dumbura Zimuto applauded the project and called for more involvement from humanitarian organizations. “Our area has gone too long without NGOs or civil society support. This project is a beacon of hope.”
The Mutunduru water project comes at a time when rural Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, including prolonged droughts and food insecurity.
With communities like Mutunduru now beginning to receive targeted aid, hopes are high that more villages will follow.
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