WILD visit to local leaders in Umzingwane Ward 2

Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) made a courtesy visit to Umzingwane Ward 2 Councilor and the local area headman to further strengthen cooperation and unity of purpose between the two leaders and the community. The visit follows the one held last week where WILD saw the need to engage them in order to build trust and gather more information regarding the contested allocation of residential stands at irrigation village. This has fomented local conflict in the area which has potential to bring about poor delivery of essential services.

In addition to discussing the role of the organization and the Ward Advocacy Committees in community development, WILD representatives and the community leaders discussed three possible options to be pursued to improve the water situation in the ward. These included the resuscitation of the piped water system which collapsed years back, the rehabilitation of boreholes and the drilling of new boreholes in the area to cater for the recent population growth in the area.

The Headman highlighted that the recent water shortages in the area are a result of climate change which has seen reduced rainfall and the reduction of the water table. He said before 2013, boreholes did not run out of water as is happening now. Currently, one borehole is being used by more than 210 households and the situation is set to deteriorate as the rains delay.

There was a tour of the water infrastructure in the area and the WILD team got an appreciation of the situation.