Ndabankulu's Journey to Water Security Thanks to World Vision Zimbabwe

When Ndabankulu Clinic opened in 2021 in Matobo's ward 4, Matabeleland South Province, it provided much-needed relief to the local community. Previously, residents had to travel long distances to access healthcare services in this rural part of Zimbabwe. However, one ongoing problem that plagued the clinic was the lack of access to water.

Megina Mpofu, 57, is the chairperson for the Ndabankulu Piped Water Scheme. She experienced firsthand the water scarcity issues and witnessed the positive impact of their intervention. Megina recalls the challenges faced by the nurses at the clinic, who struggled with inadequate water reserves to meet the basic needs of patients and maintain proper hygiene standards.

"We did not understand what was going on. Water is a necessity, particularly in fighting infections, and staying in the area was beginning to be unbearable for the nurses."

Recognizing the urgent need for a solution, World Vision, having been actively involved in enhancing primary healthcare services in their ward, stepped in to address the water crisis. However, their initial attempts to upgrade the existing scheme by installing a new pump encountered a setback.

It was discovered that the borehole was collapsing due to improper casing, posing a risk of losing a significant financial investment. Undeterred, World Vision decided to drill a new borehole in search of a viable solution.

The new borehole turned out to be a remarkable success, with a high yield of water. This development brought immense relief to the community, as the benefits extended beyond the clinic.

Megina joyfully shares, "We celebrate this new scheme as it is servicing the clinic, school, the business community, and 44 households." The community's water woes became a thing of the past, and the newfound access to this finite resource transformed their daily lives.

The positive impact of the Ndabankulu Piped Water Scheme is particularly evident in the clinic. Nurses no longer face the constant worry of water shortages, enhancing their ability to provide quality care to patients. Megina says, "Our nurses no longer think of transferring to other clinics."

World Vision's intervention in addressing the water scarcity issue in Ndabankulu has brought about tangible improvements in the community's well-being. With reliable access to clean water, the community can now focus on thriving and building a brighter future.