By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Chiredzi, Zimbabwe The Mwenezi Development Training Centre (MDTC) has announced the launch of the El Niño-induced Drought Response and Adaptation for Chiredzi Rural Communities project, a significant initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with a budget exceeding $960,000.
This one-year project aims to enhance community resilience by improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services for vulnerable households in Chiredzi District, specifically in wards 10, 13, and 15 amid to challenges posed by the El Niño-induced drought, which has severely impacted local communities
By focusing on improving livestock productivity, facilitating market access, and increasing household incomes, MDTC seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of this environmental crisis.
The initiative is expected to support over 8,600 individuals and more than 33,700 livestock in the region.
Key components of the project include the rehabilitation of 15 boreholes, with nine being converted to solar power to ensure a sustainable supply of clean water. This improvement will significantly reduce the distance women and girls must travel to collect water, enhancing their quality of life.
Additionally, the project will provide training for water point user committees and community members on the operation and maintenance of these water points, ensuring long-term sustainability.
To further promote health and hygiene, the project will engage 750 individuals in sanitation initiatives, establish 15 community health clubs, and encourage the construction of latrines at the household level to combat open defecation.
Furthermore, it will create livelihood opportunities for marginalized groups, including women, youth, the elderly, and people living with disabilities, by involving 225 participants in village savings and loan associations.
These individuals will receive training in financial literacy to effectively manage funds generated for repairing water points and constructing latrines.
The partnership with USAID is crucial for improving the livelihoods of thousands of families in Chiredzi, and MDTC expresses its gratitude for this ongoing support.