High unemployment, youth migration and persistent water shortages are placing pressure on communities in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, with local leaders warning that many young people are leaving Zimbabwe in search of work while those who remain face increasing social and economic challenges.
Ward 14 Councillor Ephraim Moyo said Bulilima’s proximity to the Botswana border has contributed to a steady exodus of young people seeking employment.
“What is really a challenge in our area is that we are close to the border, and we have many intelligent and hardworking children. Once they complete their education, most of them cross the border in search of greener pastures because there are very few employment opportunities here in the rural areas,” said Moyo.
He said those who remain often travel to Plumtree, Bulawayo or Gwanda looking for work, but employment opportunities are limited.
On this topic
“Finding employment is not easy, even in the nearby towns. As a result, many young people see leaving the country as their only option. While they may be trying to support their families, the reality is that many children are left behind in the care of elderly grandparents who struggle to provide for them. Some children even end up living on their own, taking on adult responsibilities at a very young age,” he said.
Moyo said unemployment was also contributing to social problems among young people.
“When young people fail to find work or meaningful opportunities, some become vulnerable to drug and alcohol abuse. This often leads to criminal activities, which affect the entire community. As leaders, we are concerned because these are issues that threaten the future of our youth,” he added.
He also highlighted persistent water shortages, describing them as one of the district’s biggest challenges.
“Access to water remains one of our biggest challenges. In some areas, people have to travel more than seven kilometres to fetch water. We approached the Government for assistance, and while a few bush pumps were installed, they are not enough. Some of the existing bush pumps are no longer functioning, making the situation even worse,” said Moyo.
He said residents in Ward 14 often walk between three and four kilometres to fetch water, while the local clinic also struggles to secure a reliable supply.
“Families spend hours each day searching for water and health services are also affected when our nearby clinic cannot access enough water,” he said.
Nswazwi resident Lucky Dube said the water crisis had become part of everyday life for many families.
“We walk long distances carrying buckets because we know that if we arrive late, there may be no water left. It is exhausting, especially for women, children and the elderly. We hope the government will fix the broken boreholes and drill new ones so that our community can have water,” he said.
Another resident, Msindisi Mleya from Mafeha, said improving employment opportunities and basic services could help reduce youth migration.
“Our young people have great potential, but they need opportunities close to home. If there were more jobs, many would choose to stay with their families instead of leaving the country. We also need improved water infrastructure because access to water is a basic necessity. Most of the bush pumps are not working and access to water is becoming very difficult,” he said.
Leave a Reply