By Johannes Mike Mupisa
The scorching heat is no deterrent to the people of Masogwe, whose determination for access to clean water outweighs the harsh weather.
With picks and shovels chewing into the earth, community members are laying pipes along a roughly seven-kilometre stretch to channel water from Mapwi Dam to a communal tank. This labour of love forms part of the Masogwe Piped Water Scheme, a community-driven initiative aimed at ensuring access to safe, treated water.
On designated working days, both the young and the elderly turn out in large numbers, united by a shared purpose—to secure water for their families and future generations. Leading the project is Obert Madhange, who has been at the forefront of mobilising and encouraging villagers to remain committed to the cause. The piped water programme is set to benefit two schools Masogwe Primary and Secondary Schools. What stands out in Masogwe is not just the project itself, but the spirit of collective responsibility and sacrifice that defines this community.
This initiative strongly resonates with the Second Republic’s guiding mantra: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”—a clear reminder that national development begins with the people themselves. Inspired by the community’s resolve, the Member of Parliament for Mwenezi North Constituency, Master Pikilo Makope, under whose jurisdiction Masogwe falls, availed a sizeable portion of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) towards the project.
The intervention brought renewed hope and excitement among villagers, whose own contributions, though significant, were not sufficient to take the project to completion. While progress has been commendable, the community acknowledges that more resources are still required to fully realise the dream of reliable, clean water access.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch Madhange expressed his appreciation, saying:
“I am very grateful for the effort by the Honourable Member. It has gone a long way and has made our work much easier as we move towards ensuring access to safe drinking water for the community.”
Masogwe stands as a shining example of a development-oriented community—proof that when people unite around a common vision, meaningful and lasting progress becomes possible.
