Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme Alleviates Water Woes at Johane Marange Shrine

Water scarcity has long been a pressing issue in many parts of Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas.

The Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, a government initiative, aims to address this challenge by providing sustainable water solutions. Recently, the Johane Marange Apostolic Church International Headquarters in Rusape received a significant boost with the drilling of a borehole under this scheme.

Mutare Boreholes explores the impact of this initiative on the shrine and the broader community.

The Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme

The Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme is a government-led initiative designed to mitigate acute water shortages across Zimbabwe, especially in rural communities. Prevail International, a key player in this initiative, has been instrumental in drilling boreholes throughout the country.

Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme Alleviates Water Woes at Johane Marange Shrine

This effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure that even the most remote areas have access to clean and reliable water sources.

Addressing Water Shortages at Johane Marange Shrine

The Johane Marange Apostolic Church International Headquarters, located in Gandanzara, Rusape, has historically faced significant water challenges, particularly during its annual gatherings. These events attract over 10,000 people from all ten provinces of Zimbabwe and even from neighboring Botswana. The lack of adequate water supply has been a major hurdle in hosting these large-scale events.

A Timely Intervention

In response to the church's petition to President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2022, a borehole was drilled at the shrine just before the annual pilgrimage. This intervention has been a game-changer for the church. Zvanetsa Muchuchu, a representative of the shrine, expressed immense gratitude for this timely solution. "We are grateful that our cries were finally heard. Water has been a very big challenge as we host the biggest gathering every year in September," Muchuchu said.

Long-Term Benefits

Beyond the immediate relief during the annual gathering, the borehole is expected to have lasting benefits for the shrine. Johane Marange is known for its philanthropic work, including accommodating orphans and widows. The availability of water will significantly enhance the shrine's agricultural activities, which are crucial for sustaining the vulnerable population. Shadreck Mbiri, a long-time employee of the shrine, highlighted the importance of this development. "The borehole will not only alleviate the water crisis but also enable the shrine to enhance its agricultural activities through irrigation," Mbiri noted.

Community Impact

The impact of the borehole extends beyond the shrine itself. The surrounding community also stands to benefit from improved water access. This development is expected to foster better health and hygiene practices, reduce the burden on women and children who often travel long distances to fetch water, and support local agriculture.