Clean Water Brings Health and Hope to Nyanga North

By Leana Padera (Communications Graduate Intern)

For Chipo Chapatarongo, a 48-year-old mother of seven in Makoma village, Nyanga North, fetching water was once a daily ordeal rife with challenges. Most of her days began at 2 a.m., when she and her children would embark on a long walk to the nearest borehole, only to face hours of waiting in line.

“My children often missed school because they had to help me fetch water. It was hard for them, and I could see it affecting their studies,” Chipo recalls.

This struggle took a toll on her family’s health and well-being. With limited access to clean water, they often resorted to unsafe sources, leading to frequent bouts of illness. Waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea were constant threats, adding to her worries.

The installation of a piped water system by World Vision Zimbabwe, in partnership with the government and local communities, has transformed life in Makoma and neighbouring Mapara village. The system now serves over 100 households, providing safe, clean drinking water right in the heart of the community.

“This water system has changed everything for us,” Chipo says, standing proudly at the water point near her home.

With access to clean water, Chipo has embraced the full scope of World Vision’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiative. Her homestead now features a latrine toilet, handwashing stations, and a clean, well-maintained environment. Her efforts were recognized when she was awarded for having the cleanest homestead in the area.

“I never realized how much a simple change could improve our health and well-being,” she says with a laugh.

For Chipo’s children, the change has been profound. No longer burdened by long trips to fetch water, they are now focused on their education. Chipo, too, has found new opportunities. With more time on her hands, she is planning to start a vegetable garden, knowing that reliable access to water will allow her to grow food and improve her family’s nutrition.

“Now that we have clean water, everything has changed,” she says with a smile. “My children can focus on their studies, and I have time to think about ways to improve our lives.”

Chipo’s story is one of many in Makoma and Mapara villages, where World Vision’s WASH interventions are creating lasting change. Beyond providing access to water, the program empowers communities with knowledge and tools to sustain healthy practices.

“This powerful partnership with the government and local communities demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together,” says a World Vision representative.

For Chipo and her family, clean water is more than a basic need—it is the foundation for a brighter, healthier future. Through efforts like these, World Vision Zimbabwe is helping communities build resilience and break free from the cycle of water scarcity and disease.