Dadata villagers in Gwanda North are appealing for support with resources in constructing a community dam – Domboritsitsi Dam – which is set to alleviate water woes bedevilling the area.
The community is currently serviced by Silikwe, Silikwana and Manzamhlophe dams which are about 5km away.
The Domboritsitsi Dam project, named after a popular hill in the area, was mooted between 1980s and 1990s but suffered a stillbirth owing to funding challenges.
Last year the project resumed with villagers taking the initiative to dig the dam wall foundation using picks and shovels.
Villages set to benefit from the dam once completed include Dadata, Dambashoko, Silikwe and Magedleni.
Seeing the desperation of the elderly, young people from the area mobilised some funds and managed to hire an excavator which opened the trench for the dam wall.
Some well-wishers including the area’s legislator, Madodana Sibanda chipped in with bags of cement.
CITE over the weekend visited Dadata where dam wall construction is ongoing courtesy of builders who have volunteered to do the work with members of the community gathering quarry, rocks, river sand and other building materials.
Robert Dube, dam committee member said the community was committed to having water close by for their livestock and irrigation purposes.
“We still need more bags of cement for this work to go forward,” he emphasized
Area councillor, Zwelibanzi Mpofu, said villagers so it fit for them to arise and do something about the dam after realising that those who started the project years back could not go far as a result of resource constraints.
She said once completed the dam would change the face of the community in addressing its water challenges.
She added that they need assistance with the excavator and some incentives for builders who are volunteering to do the work and other resources to complete the project.
Dadata village head, Ndumiso Masuku, who paid tribute to the youth for mobilising some funds said they were appealing for donor support in completing the project
Buhlebenkosi Ndlovu, a youth in the area said their contribution into the project include gathering quarry, river sand among others
Fundraising coordinator, Thandazani Nyoni said most of the youths who are contributing towards the project are not gainfully employed adding they were appealing for more support in both finances and other resources
He added that those who want to assist them can get in touch with their treasurer, Nkosiyazi Ncube, on 0782 439 781.
