ZiG$1.3million CDF Solar Boreholes for Thirsty Gweru Urban Residents

Gweru, Zimbabwe - Gweru Urban lawmaker Honourable Dr. Josiah Makombe commissioned five solar-powered boreholes in the constituency recently, aiming to alleviate severe water shortages affecting residents.

The project was funded by the Parliamentary Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The event, attended by local residents, council officials and other stakeholders, highlighted collaborative efforts between Parliament and the Gweru City Council to address gaps in water supply infrastructure.

Dr. Makombe said the boreholes are to provide reliable access to water for domestic use.

"We came up with things that we thought were important in terms of priority. Out of the priorities that we listed, at the top was the issue of water supply," Makombe said during the commissioning.

"Residents are not getting water so that they can do their work 24/7, there was a gap but the gap was not deliberate.

"It is because things are not well, in terms of the infrastructure of the council, maybe it's old and also other resource challenges," he said.

Honourable Dr. Josiah Makombe 

The boreholes, installed in wards including Senga (Ward 5), Windsor Park (Ward 3), Ivene (Ward 4), Shamrock Park (Ward 18) and Nashville (Ward 1), are equipped with solar technology to eliminate manual pumping.

Makombe noted challenges during implementation, including three dry holes drilled despite surveys, which he attributed to unpredictable underground conditions.

Funding for the project came from a ZiG$1.3 million allocation (equivalent to US$50,000 at the bank rate) disbursed in the first week of December 2025 after delays due to a drought in 2024.

"Our money came in the first week of December 2025, it was ZiG$1.3 million which translates to US$50 000 at bank rate.

"Though when we are now working, as you know businesses don't use the bank rate especially when it comes to procurement, they have their own rates, so value for money of US$50 000 is not attainable in such kind of environment," Makombe explained.

He detailed the CDF structure, established around 2005, which includes the MP as Chairperson, a proportional representative, a senator and councilors.

Absent from the event was one Senator Ndebele from Silobela who is part of the Gweru Urban Constituency Development Committee, reportedly due to illness.

Five percent of the funds went to administration, Dr. Makombe said, with the remainder contracted out for drilling and installation.

He urged the community to protect the infrastructure, warning against vandalism and misuse.

Ward 5 (Senga CBZ) residents witnessing the solar borehole commissioning 

"It then means you must treasure this investment, if you don't maintain and protect this infrastructure you are letting down the nation," he said, noting that 20% of costs were for security measures like fencing and locks on taps.

He handed over the project to the Gweru City Council, stressing it as a complementary effort rather than competition.

"To Gweru City Council, Your Worship, we are not competing, we are complementing your efforts," Makombe told Mayor Martin Chivhoko.

"This is not my borehole, I am merely commissioning a borehole that was funded by Parliament of Zim," he said.

Gweru, a city in Zimbabwe's Midlands province, has long grappled with water supply issues stemming from aging infrastructure, frequent pipe bursts, power outages and climate-induced droughts.  

The city's water is sourced from the Gwenoro Dam, located 45 km away, making it vulnerable to electricity disruptions and distribution challenges in high-lying areas.  

Recent incidents include residents going three days without water in October 2025 due to supply failures, and a January 2026 crisis triggered by collapsed electricity poles during heavy rains.  

Climate change has exacerbated shortages, with below-average rainfall periodically affecting agriculture and urban supplies in the region.

Ward 5 Councilor, Aaron Mumvana, thanked the Member of Parliament, stating the borehole would benefit residents, livestock and crops.

Ward 5 Councilor, Aaron Mumvana

"This borehole is not for the public officials but the community," he said.

One Sarah, representing Gweru City Council's Director of Housing and Community Services, Joseph Zimusi, expressed gratitude for the initiative.

"We thanks you for the CDF project which we believe will assist residents to lessen the water challenges that we had, and we as council we will be coming to help each other where we have challenges," she said.

Proportional Representative MP, Melphiner Gwabeni, highlighted the erosion of funds due to discrepancies between bank and black market rates.

She noted the relief for women, who bear the brunt of water fetching.

"Water challenge affects mostly women and it comes as a relief, especially for women with young ones," Gwabeni said, urging the community to protect against sabotage.

Honourable Melphiner Gwabeni 

Mayor Chivhoko praised the project as a "wonderful gesture" from Parliament.

"I would like to thank you for this wonderful gesture from the Parliament of Zimbabwe, this is a great initiative.

"Here at the CBZ (Senga) we were tired of phone calls over water  supply issues even messages," he said.

"What you have done for us we receive with both hands," he said.

Chivhoko echoed hopes for increased CDF funding to US$100,000 in 2026, as advocated by parliamentarians, to expand such projects across Gweru's six wards.

Gweru Mayor, Councilor Martin Chivhoko 

Dr. Makombe thanked Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube and Parliament Speaker Advocate Mudenda for the funds, despite disbursement challenges.

"I also want to thank the Minister of Finance, Mthuli Ncube. It has been a fight for us to get these monies," he said, hoping for priority in future allocations.

WATCH! Hon. Makombe addressing residents on how CDF funds work.