Tiyani Hahlani

The International Medical Corps (IMC) has initiated project to improve access to water in Masvingo rural district as part of efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene in rural areas.

This came out at the World Water Day commemorations that were held in Gurajena area, Ward 1 of Zimuto in Masvingo North, a rural community long affected by water scarcity.

Speaking at the event, IMC WASH Coordinator Takudzwa Muvindi (pictured) said the broader initiative aims to drill, rehabilitate and install solar powered water systems and expand access to clean water across eight wards in Masvingo District.

“IMC has its ongoing initiative to drill, rehabilitate, and upgrade boreholes in Masvingo Rural District and to install solar-powered water systems. The goal is to improve water access across eight wards, including Gurajena,” said Muvindi.

She said IMC was committed to sustainable solutions that improve access to safe water as a way of fighting the outbreak of water-borne diseases.

The project commenced in January, and is targeted at drilling five solar-powered boreholes each in wards 6, 11, 18, and 23.

Upgrades from hand pumps to solar-powered water systems would be carried in wards 1, 2, 16 and 19.

The celebrations, organised under the global theme “Water for all: Ensuring Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water” drew together representatives from government ministries, Civil Society Organizations (CSO), the private sector, and hundreds of local villagers.

IMC, which was founded in USA in 1984 is a global, nonprofit, humanitarian aid organization that provides emergency medical services, healthcare training and capacity building to those affected by disaster, disease or conflict.