A TOTAL of 11 boreholes with solar systems have been drilled in Buluwayo’s Nkulumane suburb to ease water challenges faced by residents in the area.
Bulawayo is enduring serious water challenges with residents in high-density suburbs like Nkulumane often enduring long periods without running water.
Zanu PF Ward 20 councillor, Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi, told Sunday Southern Eye that she funded the drilling of boreholes and their solarisation as part of her election campaign promise.
These efforts, she said, are part of a personal initiative to offer immediate relief to the community amid Bulawayo’s long-running water woes.
“This is a way of assisting the community to curb water challenges in the area,” she said.
“Even in full council meetings, we keep talking about the water issue, but no one seems to be thinking of immediate solutions.
“So on my side, I thought of putting up these boreholes and solarising them.”
The councillor added that in the long term, the boreholes could also support food security through community gardens once the city’s water situation stabilises.
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“One day when we have regular water supplies, residents can still use these boreholes for vegetable gardening,” she said.
Ndebele-Sibindi also highlighted the indirect benefits of increased water access in reducing sewer blockages.
She explained that when water is scarce, residents struggle with flushing, which leads to stagnant sewage and blockages.
“If people can get water nearby, it helps improve sewer movement,” she said.
“When the system dries up, it results in blockages. So these boreholes can make a difference.”
While some residents have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the initiative, Ndebele-Sibindi said the majority have welcomed the developments.
“There are people who are not happy and always bickering, but the good thing is the majority is grateful,” she said.
“That keeps me going and motivates me to work for the community, just as I promised during my campaign.”
