he gift of water is the gift of life; it transforms communities from surviving to thriving. Access to safe and clean water is one of the building blocks to good health. With the provision of clean water there is prevention of unnecessary deaths, time is saved, and health is improved.

 

For the Chitungwiza Community in Ward 16 Unit J, clean water was not an abundant commodity to be wasted, but a treasure to be chased and hoarded; for them water was scarce. Those living in the affected community would settle for water from shallow wells and sewage streams making them susceptible to water borne diseases. Women and children especially girls would be responsible for retrieving water each day from these contaminated water sources exposing them to diseases; sexual abuse or even attacks of violence. Fetching of water was also a time consuming chore for all households as they would spend time walking in search of this precious liquid.

 

Following the intervention of Emmanuel and Ruth Makandiwa through the Agape Family Care WASH Program; installation of two separate borehole sites was conducted within the community of Chitungwiza Unit J to alleviate the looming water shortages.

 

After Agape Family Care completed the drilling and construction of the two boreholes; members of the Unit J community could not contain their joy and relief. The official opening and handover of the boreholes to the community was done at a colorful ceremony graced by the Minister of Health – Dr. Obadiah Moyo on the 15th of May 2020. Rightly named, “Life Well”; the two boreholes will be sustainable water resources to more than 500 households. The clean and safe water sources will provide ample drinking as well as usable water at the community members’ doorsteps which will also improve their health especially during this period of the Covid19 pandemic where hygiene has to be practiced habitually. With the generous support of our Agape Family Care Partners; the provision of clean and safe water has become a reality to the Chitungwiza Community.