Staff Reporter
The Presidential borehole drilling programme is paying off as agro-business units have been set up across the country to improve people’s livelihoods, the Harare Post can report.
Speaking to villagers at the opening of Muvande Nutritious Garden, in Chikomba West constituency, Ward 14, Mashonaland East Province, Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Apollonia Munzverengwi advised that Mashonaland East Province has not been left behind in the implementation of the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme.
“We are in Ward 14 in this business unit implemented through the Presidential borehole drilling scheme, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa is instructing legislators and other stakeholders to go and make water available in rural areas across the country. As Mashonaland Province we are not being left behind in this borehole drilling programme, as you can see we are inside a business unit, where the borehole benefits the garden and the school,” said Minister Munzverengwi.
The Minister also added that, women are being empowered and contributing towards poverty alleviation by ensuring their families survive from the programme.
“We have 30 families working in this garden, which means people’s lives in this area will be changed and improved. Women are also being empowered through this programme. The garden is well fenced to protect the crops from animals,” the Minister said.
Latest statistics from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development show that 157 village business units, 43 school business units, nine youth business units and 21 Chiefs’ business units, have been established so far.
Villagers in Ward 14 who are beneficiaries of the Presidential borehole drilling scheme expressed gratitude toward the Second Republic for implementing sustainable projects that are uplifting livelihoods.
A villager, Mrs Joyce Nyashanu, hailed President Mnangagwa for uplifting and transforming their lives.
“This programme is helping us women to change our lives for the better. We expect to sell our products, and get money to expand the business unit as well as improve the upkeep of our families,” said Mrs Nyashanu.
Meanwhile, the Prevail Group International (PGI) which is contracted to drill and install solar powered boreholes under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme has extended its activities to Matebeleland South Province.
