Ward 20 villagers in Ezinyangeni, Nkayi are appealing for more boreholes as the existing ones are malfunctioning forcing them to walk long distances to the nearest water sources.
The available dams are also experiencing siltation further compounding the situation.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate, and Rural Resettlement this year revealed that both Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South have the least number of boreholes compared to other parts of the country.
In an interview with CITE, Sithenjisiwe Sibanda said the available boreholes run out of water leaving them stranded.
“The few available boreholes run out of water and we spend hours waiting for the water levels to rise,” said Sibanda.
“The dams in our area have silted and this has caused problems for our livestock which continue to die due to lack of water.”
She added that they are forced to wake up early in the morning and travel long distances in search of water.
Another villager, Simangaliso Mkandla said the situation has made their lives difficult.
Contacted for a comment, Nkayi South Legislator, Stars Mathe also confirmed that the constituency is currently facing water woes.
“It is true that villagers are experiencing water challenges and the siltation in rivers, the water is at the lowest levels,” said Mathe.
She, however, said they are working on plans to get more boreholes drilled in the area.
“There are programs of drilling boreholes and I am hoping that the area will also benefit from that program and get boreholes drilled,” said Mathe.
