MPs demand answers over dry boreholes under village water programme
By Staff Writer, Parliamentary Watch
MPs have demanded an explanation of government’s borehole siting and drilling methods, warning Parliament that unsuccessful drilling could waste public funds without improving rural water access.
During the National Assembly sitting on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, legislators questioned whether adequate surveys were being conducted before boreholes were drilled under the government’s village water programme.
MP Makope raised concerns about unsuccessful drilling, particularly in agricultural regions four and five, and asked whether government would adopt better technology for identifying underground water.
MP S. Tshuma said drilling had been stopped after two unsuccessful attempts in the MP’s constituency.
“In my constituency, I stopped them from drilling boreholes after doing two boreholes and failing to get water,” Tshuma said.
Tshuma called for the responsible minister to explain the programme to Parliament.
“So, Hon. Minister Masuka must come to this august House to give a Ministerial Statement so that he explains to us.”
MP Zvaipa questioned whether counting drilled boreholes was a meaningful measure of success when communities could not obtain water.
“There is no need to say that there is a borehole in each and every village when the villagers cannot access the water,” Zvaipa said.
Responding, Justice Minister and Leader of Government Business Z. Ziyambi reiterated the policy of providing a borehole in every village, but asked MPs to submit specific cases for technical investigation.
“Yes, there is need for survey,” he said.
“If they drill boreholes and fail to get water, that question must be put in place to say, in such and such a place, they drilled boreholes and failed to get water so that we will have information.”
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the request for a ministerial explanation. However, no date for a statement, national drilling success rate or cost of unsuccessful boreholes was provided.
