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SINCE its launch in December 2021, the Presidential Rural Development Programme has proven to be a game-changer for rural Zimbabwe, providing over 100 000 households with access to clean and safe water.

This significant step forward is addressing the long-standing water challenges that rural communities have faced for years, offering much-needed relief and creating an opportunity for long-term economic and social transformation. 

President Mnangagwa’s initiative, which was introduced at Sekusile-Makorokoro in Mangwe District, has brought not only the provision of water but also a comprehensive approach to rural development. This initiative links the provision of clean water to local economic growth, benefiting vulnerable groups and enhancing climate resilience.

Central to the success of this programme are the communal water points and water reticulation systems established by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa). Each of these systems serves between 60 and 100 households, ensuring access to potable water for entire communities, thus addressing a persistent issue of water scarcity. 

These water points are either part of village business units (VBUs) or stand-alone solar-powered units. The integration of water infrastructure with economic activities in the VBUs creates job opportunities, especially for women and youth, offering much-needed employment and contributing to economic empowerment. This has led to the upliftment of many rural households, who no longer have to rely on distant or unreliable water sources.

The programme’s benefits extend beyond water access. The creation of nutrition gardens, stocked with fruit trees and sweet potato vines, is helping households secure a reliable source of nutritious food. These gardens also serve as income-generating projects, further strengthening rural economies. As a result, rural communities are not only gaining access to safe water but also improving their health outcomes and economic stability. By linking water infrastructure with agricultural and business development, the Presidential Rural Development Programme is fostering self-sufficiency, reducing vulnerability to food insecurity, and improving the overall well-being of rural families.

In addition to providing water, the Government’s goal of drilling and equipping a borehole in every village, school, and youth centre across Zimbabwe reflects the immense scale of the programme. The project is already making substantial progress, with over 1 800 communal water points established so far, and more are planned. This expansion ensures that even the most remote areas of Matabeleland, Mashonaland, and the Midlands will have access to clean, sustainable water. Each region is benefitting from solar-powered water systems, offering long-term solutions to water access while reducing dependency on traditional, unsustainable methods.

The success of the Presidential Rural Development Programme demonstrates the positive impact of targeted policy interventions in rural areas. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term development goals, the programme is improving lives through access to clean water, creating jobs, boosting local economies, and enhancing resilience against climate change. The programme not only addresses a critical challenge but also sets the stage for broader societal and economic transformation, ultimately empowering rural Zimbabweans and ensuring they have the resources to thrive in the face of future challenges. As the initiative continues to expand, it stands as a powerful example of how government investment in rural areas can deliver tangible, lasting benefits.