The Borehole

The construction of the borehole

Clean water is fundamental to development and wellbeing. Access to water is not only a goal in its own right but is critical to the achievement of other developmental objectives including gender equality, adequate nutrition, education and the eradication of poverty. ... The proportion of Zimbabwe’s population with access to safe drinking water reduced from 72% in 2000 to 64% in 2017. This decrease is more prevalent in rural areas.

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(UNICEF 2019: Request for Proposal for Services, Borehole Drilling and Bush Pump Installation, Harare: Zimbabwe)

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During the pandemic Trees of Hope UK concentrated its efforts into raising funds for a borehole ( a bush pump) that could provide sufficient water not only for the 1000s of tree saplings growing in the nursery but also for general use by the local community. £5000 were raised by June 2021.

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The borehole was created by ‘Workskill Water Engineers’ based in Harare. This company completed a geological survey job the location and made recommendations based on this information. Their report provided a profile of the rock and soil formation and pinpointed areas where there was a high chance of striking natural underground reservoirs. The first drilling reached 40m through granite rock - and this depth was extended by a further 20m to ensure an adequate flow of water from underground pools. This was the first borehole to be dug in Chinyere village and it now provides about 65 households (over 300 people) with drinking water and water for their crops and animals. It has reduced the carrying distance for local women and girls as previously the nearest borehole was some 4km away.

Of course the borehole also provides water for the Trees of Hope garden and nursery. Seeds and new saplings depend on regular watering for their survival.