By Cremilda Macuácua, China Africa News
17 Feb, 2026, HARARE — A China-supported borehole drilling programme is reshaping daily life for communities across Zimbabwe, delivering clean water, supporting small businesses and strengthening resilience in areas long affected by drought and extreme weather.
As reported by CGTN Africa, the initiative has seen hundreds of solar-powered boreholes installed in rural and peri-urban communities, particularly in provinces vulnerable to recurring dry spells and cyclone damage. For many residents, the installations mark the first time in years that reliable water is available within walking distance of homes and marketplaces.
At Mahusekwa Growth Point and other community hubs, boreholes have quickly become focal points of local economic activity. Vendors say access to steady water supplies has improved hygiene, food preparation and overall working conditions. Small-scale entrepreneurs, including car wash operators and fresh produce traders, report lower operating costs and more predictable business hours now that they are no longer dependent on erratic municipal supply or distant water sources.
The systems are powered entirely by solar energy, enabling round-the-clock operation even during power outages a common challenge in many parts of the country. Officials say this renewable setup not only reduces running costs but also ensures sustainability in remote locations where grid infrastructure is limited.
Beyond immediate convenience, authorities view the boreholes as part of a broader disaster-recovery and climate-adaptation strategy. With rainfall patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, reliable groundwater access is seen as critical for household use, livestock care and small-scale agriculture pillars of rural livelihoods.
The project reflects ongoing infrastructure cooperation between Zimbabwe and China, with a focus on practical interventions that address water security and economic recovery. For communities that have endured repeated climate shocks, residents say the steady flow of water represents more than basic infrastructure it signals stability, opportunity and renewed resilience.
