Matobo youth applaud borehole solarisation under CDF

Youths in Matobo have applauded a borehole solarisation project that is currently underway in Matobo-Mangwe Constituency, with 16 boreholes, one in each ward being equipped with solar systems through funding from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The initiative aimed at addressing long-standing water shortages in the drought-prone area while is expected to stimulate local economic activity, particularly in agriculture and youth-led development projects.

Lindiwe Ncube, a local youth, said the project would ease the burden of accessing water and free up time for other productive activities.

“Solarising the boreholes is a big advantage for us,” she said.

“We now have more time to focus on hustling or school, instead of spending hours queuing at pumping boreholes. Sometimes, it takes up to five hours just to pump water.”

She noted that many young people live with their grandparents, who often struggle with manual water pumping. With the new system, she said, each borehole will have five or six taps, making access quicker and more inclusive.

“Even elderly people can now carry a 5-litre container and fetch water without much difficulty,” she added, calling for more community-driven projects to uplift the district.

Menzi Dube, a local youth also praised the solarisation project for creating a foundation for economic empowerment especially in a region with fertile land but limited rainfall.

“I highly support this initiative,” said Dube. “It gives hope to young people who want to pursue farming but lack the resources. Water is a key ingredient, and now it’s within reach.”

He also pointed to the potential for improved household nutrition and income generation.

“Many families here live in poverty. With access to water, they can grow their own food and start small projects to sustain themselves,” he said.

The project, which prioritises community involvement and youth empowerment, was described by local councillors as a strategic investment in the region’s most critical need.

Councillor Mxolisi Ncube of Ward 4, a member of the CDF committee, explained the rationale behind the widespread project.

“We identified water as a major challenge in the area. Some of our boreholes have a high water yield, almost at a commercial level,” said Cllr Ncube.

He detailed the plan’s structure, stating, “We decided that each ward should select one borehole for solarisation. This resulted in the selection of 16 boreholes across the 16 wards one per ward.”

The councillor further contextualised the funding, noting that the USD$50,000 allocation is disbursed in the local currency, ZiG, and expressed hope for its continuity.

His comments highlight a methodical approach to distributing resources evenly across the constituency while targeting a universally acknowledged problem. A key feature of the initiative is its reliance on local talent, particularly young people with vocational skills.

Cllr Mxolisi Ncube emphasised that the project is designed to be a partnership, not just a handout. He explained that the CDF committee procures the materials, which are then delivered to the wards for assembly and installation.

“We are going to be encouraging each and every council to make sure that if there are any youths who have done welding, they will be participating,” he said, noting that solar stands require fabrication.

He described this as a cost-effective measure on a tight budget, but also as a vital opportunity for young artisans to gain practical experience. To build public trust in the use of public funds, the process has been structured to include broad oversight.

Nehemiah Moyo, a Councillor from Ward 7, highlighted that efforts to ensure accountability will be made.

“When it comes to transparency and accountability, we will try by all means to make sure there is no corruption in CDF money,” Moyo stated.

He pointed to the inclusive structure of the project, adding, “Every councillor in the constituency takes part and responsibility, and all the traditional leaders are involved.”

The benefits of the solarised boreholes are expected to extend far beyond simple water access. In Ward 6, Sigangatsha, the community chose to site their project at Tshelanyemba Primary School.

Councillor Kenneth Ncube explained the logic behind this choice.

“We found it important that the CDF be directed to the school, where we’ll install solar on the borehole and put Jojo tanks for water storage,” Cllr Ncube said.

He described the school as a neutral and inclusive space, noting; “This will help everyone to be free, as school is the place everyone is free; as school is for everyone in the community.”

He also outlined a vision for economic empowerment, particularly for young mothers. “The availability of water will help these youths through the making of nutritional gardens for commercialisation, growing crops like vegetables for selling,” he said, indicating that reliable water is seen as the first step toward sustainable small-scale agriculture and self-sufficiency.

The Matobo-Mangwe CDF project thus represents a multi-faceted intervention: a direct solution to water scarcity, a platform for youth skill development, and a potential catalyst for local agribusiness, all built upon a framework demanding community participation and financial transparency.