The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints has commissioned a US$58 000 Inyathi High Density Location Emergency Water Supply Project to address water scarcity in Inyathi, Bubi District.
The project, which commenced in July 2023, will benefit two wards, Ward 8 and Ward 11.
The project involved drilling a 100-meter deep borehole, installing a submersible pump, 40,000-liter JoJo tanks, a solar system, and a booster pump. The water from the borehole will be pumped to 12 different water collection points within the two wards.
The project was officially handed over to the community yesterday at an event officiated by the President of the Chiefs Council, Mtshane Khumalo.
A resident Madline Ncube expressed her gratitude for the project, saying, “We used to get water from the tapes, but with time, we were no longer able to access it. This project will make a significant difference in our lives. We can now start gardening and have access to clean water for our families.”
Bubi Rural District Council Integrated Water Supply and Sanitation Chairperson Vusa Ncube commended the Church for its initiative, stating, “The Church has made it easier for women to access water, which is a major challenge in our district. Bush pumps are not convenient for women and people with disabilities.”
Bubi Rural District Council CEO Dr Patson Mlilo highlighted the importance of the project, saying, “Water is life, and we appreciate the Church for bringing this project to our community. We hope to replicate this model in other wards and villages.”
He added that the local authority recently introduced a special levy towards the purchasing of a water rig.
“We hope that within the next three years, we will be able to ensure that we drill a borehole in every village, then substitute with solar piped schemes,” said Dr Mlilo.
Chief Mtshane Khumalo expressed hope that more projects of this nature will be implemented in the district.
“We still have villages that are using unsafe water sources. Clean water is essential for preventing diseases. We hope that other organizations will follow the example of the Church,” he said.
Ward 8 Councillor Ignatius Khabo urged the residents to conserve water and protect the new water system.
“Water is a precious resource, and we must use it wisely. We also need to protect our water system from vandalism.”
The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Representative Mzingaye Ndlovu emphasised that the project belongs to the community and encouraged residents to participate in sustainable development initiatives.
