Staff Reporter
UNICEF Zimbabwe and Save the Children, have enhanced water access for children in Beitnridge. The joint initiative is aimed at addressing the water crisis and ensuring that clean, safe water reaches even the most vulnerable.
Launched earlier this year, the partnership has been focused on tackling the chronic water scarcity in Beitbridge, a region in southern Zimbabwe that frequently faces droughts and irregular rainfall. For many years, the lack of reliable water sources led to the spread of waterborne diseases, particularly among children, and hindered their overall development. However, this new project is set to change that.
In a statement Marta Couts, UNICEF Zimbabwe’s Chief of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene stated , “ Access to safe water is critical, especially for children. Through this partnership with Save the Children, we are not just improving access to water, but we are also helping children stay healthy and be able to focus on their education rather than spending hours walking to fetch water.”
The initiative includes the construction of new boreholes, the rehabilitation of existing water pumps, and the installation of water tanks in various communities. The project has already improved the daily lives of residents by reducing the distances they must travel to obtain clean water, thereby minimizing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Thokozani Moyo, the Country Director of Save the Children Zimbabwe said that the effort is also helping communities build better sanitation and hygiene practices, which will further improve health outcomes.
“Our goal is to ensure that children can grow up in a healthy environment, where their basic needs are met. With UNICEF’s support, we have been able to bring vital resources to these communities, ensuring that water is no longer a scarcity but a consistent part of their daily lives. This will make a real difference for children, who are our future.
This is about more than just water access. It’s about creating a future where children in Beitbridge can grow up healthy, attend school, and live in a community that can withstand climate-related challenges. This project is a step toward that brighter future,” she added
The impact of this partnership extends far beyond Beitbridge. By ensuring reliable access to clean water, it strengthens the region’s resilience to climate change, which is increasingly affecting water availability. The long-term goal is to create self-sufficient communities that are better equipped to adapt to future challenges.
