Muntuloko Mwembe
VILLAGERS in Binga’s Dobola area are reportedly traveling over 10 kilometers to access water from the only borehole that is in the area.
The borehole which services at least 10 villages in the area has also seen villagers being allowed to fetch only 20 liters per day, clearly signaling the depth of the crisis.
Zewuka 1 village head Bright Munkombwe said the water crisis was affecting both humans and livestock.
“These ponds dry up in the early weeks of September so as we speak right now there will be no water for us in the coming week. Also there are elephants around so they destroy the ponds. Our livestock also suffer from lack of water,” he said.
On the other hand the area chief painted a gloomy situation while also appealing to government to intervene before the situation gets worse.
“We travel about 10 kilometres to get water. We have one borehole but Dobola has 10 villages depending on that single source of water. Some people walk as far as 10km just to fetch water. Even our livestock depend on that same borehole. Our livestock are dying because of lack of water.
“When fetching water at the borehole, one is only allowed two buckets. So you can imagine those with large families, how do they survive? said Chief Dobola.
He added: “We have on several occasions tried to engage government but they always say we will come back to you and it ends there. It is our plea that government hears us and at least drill some boreholes for us because water is life,” he said.
