By Johannes Mike Mupisa
MWENEZI-There is a growing sense of joy and optimism across Mwenezi North Constituency following the remarkable success of a government-supported borehole drilling programme that is transforming rural livelihoods and strengthening water security.
To date, approximately 35 boreholes have been developed into Village Business Units (VBUs), creating opportunities for income generation, nutrition gardens, and improved household food security. In addition, more than 30 new sites have already been surveyed and earmarked for drilling as the programme continues to expand.
While the success of such initiatives is often associated with visible infrastructure and the teams carrying out the drilling, local leaders have highlighted the crucial role played by the man behind the scenes — water surveyor Nathan Mutanhaurwa.
Like a movie scriptwriter whose work lays the foundation for a blockbuster production, Mutanhaurwa has quietly become an indispensable figure in Mwenezi North’s water development programme. His survey points have reportedly achieved an accuracy rate exceeding 90 percent, enabling drilling teams to locate viable groundwater sources with remarkable precision.
Using a PQWT water detection machine capable of identifying underground water sources at depths of up to 150 metres, Mutanhaurwa’s expertise has significantly reduced the risk of drilling dry boreholes, saving both time and financial resources.
Speaking on the programme’s achievements, Mwenezi North MP Master Makope, praised Mutanhaurwa’s contribution.
“Mr Mutanhaurwa is the unsung hero behind our successful borehole drilling exercises. His accuracy has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of government programmes in the constituency. When surveys are done professionally, implementation becomes more efficient and resources are utilised productively,” said MP Makope.
Community members and technical personnel have also acknowledged the importance of accurate surveying before drilling begins.
Panganai Mativenga, a pump minder involved in water projects within the constituency, emphasized that professional surveying is essential to avoid costly mistakes.
“Accuracy is critical because drilling costs are incurred whether water is found or not. A dry borehole represents a significant financial loss. In fact, people often joke that someone ‘buried a Honda Fit underground’ when a drilling project fails to strike water, simply because of the amount of money that would have been wasted,” he said.
The success of the borehole programme is expected to contribute significantly to the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda by improving access to clean water, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting rural industrialisation through Village Business Units.
As more sites await drilling, residents remain hopeful that the continued partnership between government, technical experts, and local communities will further improve livelihoods and turn water challenges into opportunities for development across Mwenezi North.
