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Mthabisi Tshuma, Chronicle Writer

INVESTORS from Poland have united to initiate a water and sanitation project in Zimbabwean schools.

The project will commence with a ground-breaking ceremony on Friday, including borehole drilling and installation at Mucklenuck Primary School in Inyathi, Bubi District, Matabeleland North province.

The primary objective of the project is to address water security issues, particularly in remote areas and rural schools across Zimbabwe.

Mr Tomasz Błaszak and Mr Adam Golinski, supported by Miss Agnieszka Zyzman, are the driving forces behind the initiative, aiming to enhance water security in regions affected by drought, exacerbated by El Nino weather patterns in Zimbabwe.

Their investment is intended to complement the ongoing efforts of the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, to ensure access to clean water.

The borehole drilling project is spearheaded by the ‘Siewca’ Foundation BL. Edmund Bojanowski, a charitable organization established and funded by Mr Błaszak. The foundation has already constructed a state-of-the-art Christian school in Poland, fulfilling its mission of providing a home for numerous Christian students.

The project leaders believe that sustainable groundwater abstraction can play a significant role in achieving Zimbabwe’s national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include ending poverty and hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, ensuring sustainable water and sanitation, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and combating the impacts of climate change.

Mr Błaszak, who is also the owner of Fogo Sp.Z O.O, the largest Polish power generator manufacturer, expressed commitment to alleviating water challenges in drought-stricken areas.

He said: “Our vision is to reach out to the neediest parts of the world, especially places affected by drought. Our objective is to drill boreholes in remote areas, particularly in schools across Zimbabwe. We are motivated by the possibilities and opportunities to advance both our business and humanitarian endeavours in Zimbabwe. We believe that Zimbabwe has great business potential and offers a generally warm and welcoming atmosphere.”

M. Golinski, a respected law firm owner and investor, explained that the decision to invest in the water and sanitation project was made after his recent visit to Zimbabwe.

He emphasised the significant hardships faced by schools and communities due to water shortages, which have a lasting negative impact on students’ academic performance and hygiene standards. Mr Golinski highlighted the importance of drilling boreholes to provide reliable sources of clean water, ultimately improving the health and well-being of students, staff, and the community.

Miss Agnieszka Zyzman, the acting International Relations Director for the initiative, emphasised the involvement of the school community in all aspects of the project, from planning to implementation.

She said: “We will also provide training on the operation and maintenance of the boreholes. This project will serve as a long-term solution to water scarcity and food insecurity. We are confident that it will have a lasting positive impact on the schools and communities.”

The initiative’s Zimbabwean partner, Trovoco, is dedicated to implementing sustainable initiatives and projects throughout the country to assist those in need. The project aims to ensure that every child has access to clean water, regardless of their circumstances. By drilling boreholes, the project seeks to invest in the future of global communities, countering hunger and starvation during times of drought.

Miss Zyzman said it was important to support children and instill in them, the values of humanity and the Ubuntu philosophy for a sustainable and compassionate future.

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