The Transformation of Taderera Village’s Borehole.
Accessing clean water in Taderera Village, Ward 9 Gutu District, used to be a difficult and often a risky task. What seemed like a simple need became a source of stress, fear, and daily hardship for families who depended on unreliable and unprotected wells.
After the village’s borehole malfunctioned in 2014, households were left with no choice but to rely on shallow, unprotected wells scattered in the open fields. These wells frequently ran dry, especially during the long dry months, forcing women and children to wake up before dawn and queue for the little water that seeped back overnight. On a typical day, families made up to three trips, to have at least 60 litres of water in the household.
The wells were also unsafe. Livestock often slipped and fell in, and the community recalled witnessing a cat drown yet they had to continue using the same sources because there was simply nowhere else to turn “It was exhausting, unpredictable, and frightening,” recalls Gladys Mumbwanda (60), “but we had no other option.”
This reality changed when the Tsungai project stepped in, Tsungai Project is a United States Government–funded project operating in 10 wards of Gutu District, Masvingo Province addressing emergencies in food security and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for drought affected families .
Through community consultations, the old deep well was identified as a priority for restoration. What had once been an abandoned and unsafe water point has now been fully renovated, protected, and transformed into a functioning borehole located close to their homesteads. The difference has been immediate and life changing.
Women and children no longer walk long distances or spend hours searching for water. School children now have more time for learning instead of water chores. Livestock can drink safely within the village instead of being driven to far-off water spots. “We are so relieved,” shared Janet Themba. “This borehole has restored dignity and safety to our homes.”
With reliable and safe water, households are now better positioned to care for the poultry they will receive through the Tsungai project. The borehole has become the cornerstone for improved livelihoods, food security, and better health.
The community expressed deep gratitude, “This safe water source protects our children, our livestock, and our health. Compared to the old, unprotected wells, this is life changing.” said Trust Mbungo.
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