Loveness Nyathi
THE Lot Water Project has turned its focus to drilling boreholes in schools, with the first water source at a learning institution being commissioned on Friday.
The Non-Governmental Organisation Friday launched its third solar-powered borehole in Bulawayo at Cowdray Park Primary School in the sprawling suburb of Cowdray Park.
Project founder, United States-based Zimbabwean, Innocent Hadebe said they have taken a deliberate thrust to fund the drilling of boreholes in schools as they believe this will provide a more secure learning environment while ensuring agricultural projects at schools become a success.
Speaking during the commissioning of the borehole, Hadebe said they believe agriculture holds a key in the country and giving pupils an opportunity to learn the subject at an early age will equip them to become astute farmers later on in life.
“It is undeniable that agriculture is the mainstay in our country and I believe we should get more qualified farmers and providing perennial water sources in school will assist getting pupils interested in agriculture as crops can be planted throughout the year.
“We are looking at building three more boreholes each year and two of them are likely to be in school premises and we are looking at Nzwananzi, Fusi and Luveve Primary. We are likely to build another one at a church as we roll out more boreholes in the community,” he said.
The Lot Project has built two other water sources in the city with one being in Luveve close to Masina Beer Garden while the other is at Amakhosi Grounds. Bothe boreholes are servicing the community.
Hadebe called for more cooperation among community leaders adding that infrastructure development should be the driving force for unity in local communities.
He said following the dysentery outbreak in Luveve in 2020, he realised the importance of safe water hence he raised funds and set up the Lot Water Project whose thrust is the provision of clean water to communities.
Schools Inspector, Chad Mhlaba said boreholes in schools were critical as they assisted in safe water provision while at the same time reducing water bills learning institutions face.
“It is not a secret that most schools are saddled with huge water bills but coming up with other water sources will ensure we only use council water for critical areas and assist schools reduce their bills.
“We applaud such community initiatives as this brings improvements within schools and we know that schools are now going to be able to do agricultural projects that will earn income for them and also provide food for the schools,” he said.
“Learners will also be able to use the skills they acquire in setting up small gardens at their homes thus allowing them to reap and provide food at home.”
