Safe water is more than a basic need, it is the foundation of healthy communities. In line with this, on the 21st of July 2026, Rt. Rev. Bishop Raymond T. Mupa commissioned the Chitowa community piped water scheme in Ward 5, Chivi District.
Funded by Misereor and implemented by Caritas Masvingo Zimbabwe, this community-led initiative complements existing government efforts to expand access to clean and reliable water, improve public health, and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
This initiative was implemented under the project titled, ‘Improving Sustainable Agriculture, Gender and WASH Conditions Experienced by Smallholder Farmers in Chivi District’ (2024 -2027).
Also in attendence was the Vicar General Fr O.P. Chagweda, Parish priest Rev. Fr. Ndete, Caritas ExOfficio Rev. Fr. Hungwe, Caritas board and staff, fellow Diocesan commissions, representatives from government line ministries, local leaders and the community of Ward 5.
His Lordship, Bishop Mupa, in his address commended the community of Ward 5 for their active participation and hours invested in the project, with over 300 community members contributing their labour to the manual construction of the water scheme by trenching, laying water pipes and ferrying of materials.
He further encouraged beneficiaries to continue working together to maintain the water infrastructure, saying community ownership and responsible stewardship would ensure that the scheme serves future generations.
The solar-powered scheme has 20 000litre water storage tanks capacity, supplying water for domestic use to approximately 120 households through taps strategically positioned around the villages in the Ward.
Before the intervention, families travelled several kilometres carrying buckets on their heads to collect water from unsafe open water sources, posing a health risk.
A mere vegetable garden was a dream for the community in this dry region. With sporadic water access, water resistant grains were their only hope of agriculture. However, the scheme brought hope by supplying water for a nutritional garden which 83 households benefit from.
The farmers now plant different crops such as carrots, rape, onions, green peppers and more for consumption and a source of income for their families.
With toilets and shower facilities constructed inside the fenced and gated garden for use during gardening, the new feature has improved sanitation and provided a safer environment, particularly for women.
The Ward 5 Councillor, Cllr. C. Magwizi, commended the impact of the work done, “This will contribute to the reduced cases of gender-based violence and domestic conflicts that were linked to the long distances people travelled to fetch water.”
“Before the water scheme was established, women spent many hours walking long distances to fetch water causing domestic disputes with their spouses after returning home late. More time was spent searching for water for their livestock. However, since the completion of the scheme. these challenges have greatly reduced because water is now closer to the community,” he added.
Furthermore, the scheme has brought significant relief to livestock, which previously trekked up to 10 kilometres in search of water. With water now being channelled to a nearby cattle trough and the dip tank, travelling distances have been drastically reduced contributing to improved cattle health.
An unnamed community member attested to the impact of the project, “Before the initiative, we sometimes bathed in open spaces, where we lost our dignity but now we have flush system toilets and showers, which we are grateful for.” she said.
Beyond easing the burden of water collection, the ongoing project implemented by Caritas Masvingo is enhancing food security, improving sanitation and restoring dignity to families, particularly women and girls. The impact of the project will last for generations to come.
