By Innocent Mujeri
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Deputy Director, Francis Vengai has reiterated that Government is still concerned with the welfare of young people.
Speaking during the inaugural meeting of the Borehole Drillers Apex Council of Zimbabwe (BODACOZ) this Saturday, Mr Vengai said Government applauded the initiative by young graduates to form companies and augment Government efforts in conserving and providing clean water. He added that young people needed to be empowered to maintain a steady growth into the economic growth.
“We have heard the concerns of borehole drillers and among other challenges are lack of funding to import machinery and the tensions with foreign drillers who are said not to be following the correct procedures. Government is still concerned about the welfare of the young people who take part in developmental issues.
“The initiative to form an Apex Council is very much welcome and all grievances should be channelled through the council. Government cannot engage each and every driller, but can only speak to the Council. It is through the council; after it had been successfully launched that Government would direct financial institutions to provide financial assistance to drillers on lighter terms and conditions. We are waiting to see what the drillers can do for the Government and the drillers should expect more support from Government”, said Mr Vengai.
The Youth Desk Chief Programmes Officer, Mr Nikros Kajengo, highlighted that borehole drillers need to come together and bring forward the challenges they are facing in their industry. He said, “Our President, Emmerson Mnangagwa is a listening President, and is determined to support developmental initiatives in line with vision 2030. Local drillers should support Government in any way to ensure diligent water conservation.
“Water is a cross-cutting enabler which would drive economic growth through enhancing production. Government is working towards establishing 200 hectors under irrigation in each District to ensure food security. Boreholes drillers need to take part in the process by safely harvesting and conserving our water”, lamented Mr Kajengo.
BODACOZ President, Mr Kanyenze, applauded the local drillers for heeding the call to come together and regularise their operations. He explained that most local drillers were young graduates who were geared to create their own employment instead of looking up to the Government. He said that local drillers where being outweighed by Indian Drillers who were taking advantage of cheap labour market and offering cheap services at the expense of local drillers.
“We have noted that Indian Drillers are offering cheap services at the same time compromising the set standard procedures for drilling boreholes. We are not here to fight them but to create a level play ground to operate for the benefit of young people who have also invested their hard earned incomes and skills into the industry”, said Mr Kanyenze.
Founder and National Chairperson of Coalition of Agricultural Graduates of Zimbabwe (CAGOZ) Dickson Kubvakacha also thanked the Government for creating a conducive environment to allow young people to participate in the economic recovery of the country.
BODACOZ recently came into being following the public outcry over the uncontrolled operation of borehole drillers, with some inflating prices.
