Until our intervention earlier this year, the 100 residents of Village 1 in Ward 24 of Bikita District had struggled with water scarcity since 1982. Every day, women, children and elderly community members in the Zimbabwean village’s 23 households labored to obtain clean water, but their only option was to endure the daily grind of fetching water from the contaminated Dewure River. But today is a new day in the district. Clean water is plentiful.
Village elders can recall a time when the Dewure River was a pristine oasis—before it became the site where villagers washed clothes, bathed and watered their livestock. The villagers’ daily struggle for water weighed heavily on their spirits. Some had to rise before dawn, hoping to beat the crowds and fetch water during the brief window of relative cleanliness. “We rushed to the river before sunrise, hoping to get the ‘cleanest’ water,” says Susan Matotote, a villager. “But even then, we returned home with water that is far from clean.” Fetching water from the contaminated river exposed villagers to waterborne diseases, especially because many grew tired of boiling the water and began drinking it untreated.
To improve water access, International Medical Corps implemented a long-term solution in Bikita District, designed to enhance access to water supply and promote hygiene practices. We drilled a borehole in Village 1, providing access to a protected and safe water source. Local leaders describe the borehole as a major improvement that will increase community water access, health and resilience to climate change.
To oversee the new water access point, the village formed a water point committee that our team trained on community-based resource management. We also trained two community liaisons who will solicit, document and share feedback from the community.
Before the borehole drilling began, village leaders conducted a traditional ritual to inform their ancestors of the impending arrival of modern technology. They asked for guidance and protection, pleading with their ancestors to pave the way for the drilling process. One leader implored, “As we bring this new technology to our land, we ask that you, our honored ancestors, grant us success. Let the waters flow, and let our people rejoice.”
As the drill reached 101 meters, the community held its collective breath until water began to flow. People erupted in joy: The capacity test revealed an exceptionally strong flow rate. Elders, women and children were filled with joy as they realized their years-long wait for improved water access was finally over. Seeing the water gushing from the new borehole, community member Mollen Kusereka exclaimed, “We no longer have to worry about our children falling ill from dirty water!”
As the villagers gathered around the drill site, their faces reflected relief, gratitude, happiness and hope. International Medical Corps’ intervention has transformed the village. The borehole will stand as a testament to the power of collective effort, cultural sensitivity and a principled commitment to improving lives. In this rural corner of Zimbabwe, a new source of clean water has ignited a wave of change and revitalized a community.
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