The Ward 1 community garden in Insiza South, once a reliable source of food and income for families, now lies dry and abandoned. A crippling water shortage has halted planting and left residents searching for solutions to secure their livelihoods.
For years, the garden provided a lifeline, allowing families to sell vegetables and buy essentials such as school supplies. But with no water, the project has collapsed.
“This year we did not plant anything in our garden because of lack of water,” said Sithembiso Ndlovu, a committee member. “If we get water, we will continue.”
Ward councillor Peter Mwanza explained that the community’s main borehole is no longer functioning. Its pipes and rods have collapsed into the well, making the water undrinkable.
Another possible source, a small dam, has also run dry.
“This dam needs to be scooped because it does not hold water. Our catchment area is small, we should not allow water to flow into Mzingwane,” Mwanza said.
The shortage has also devastated livestock. “Cattle died in my ward, I had 12 but I am left with one,” he added.
Despite the grim picture, local leaders and residents say solutions exist. Mwanza believes that with external support, a new borehole could restore the community’s self-reliance.
“We are appealing for donors who can help drill a borehole. That will allow us to restart the garden and rebuild our lives,” he said.
Insiza South legislator Spare Sithole said government intervention is key, particularly through more professional borehole drilling.
“Typically, they drill 40 metres and then go, but in order to obtain water, they must drill 100 metres or more,” Sithole explained.
He pointed to long-term plans for the Bopoma Dam, a large water project meant to serve Insiza, Gwanda and Esigodini.
“After the construction of the Bopoma Dam, the villagers will have access to enough water,” he said. However, work on the dam, expected to begin earlier this year, has not yet started.
Sithole said local leaders would continue engaging with the contractors to speed up progress and ensure communities are not left behind.
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