The Garikai Maridale community in Norton last Friday marked an important milestone with the official handover of a new borehole, a project aimed at improving access to clean and safe water for the residents. The borehole was drilled through a partnership between the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC) and Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), reflecting a shared commitment to addressing water challenges at community level.
The handover was officiated by UMSCC Vice Chairperson, Cde Endy Mhlanga, who attended the event as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks, he underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing water challenges and reaffirmed UMSCC and KFHI’s mandate to protect water resources while supporting water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives at community level and encouraged residents to take collective responsibility for the proper use and maintenance of the borehole so that it serves the community sustainably.
KFHI representative, Pastor Hyeon emphasized that the project was driven by the real needs of the Garikai Maridale community. He expressed appreciation for the cooperation received from both UMSCC and community members throughout the project, stating that such partnerships are vital for delivering sustainable solutions that have a lasting impact.
Community leaders and residents welcomed the borehole with gratitude, describing it as a major relief, particularly for women and children who previously had to travel long distances to access water. They acknowledged that the borehole would improve hygiene, support household livelihoods and enhance overall well-being in the area.
Community members receive water storage buckets from KFHI following the successful borehole handover ceremony
The handover ceremony also served as a reminder of the shared responsibility in safeguarding water infrastructure. Community members were encouraged to take ownership of the borehole and ensure its proper use and maintenance so that it continues to benefit current and future generations.
Garikai Maridale Community during borehole handover
Through initiatives such as this, UMSCC and KFHI continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting sustainable water resource management through partnerships and community engagement. The Garikai Maridale borehole stands as a practical example of how cooperation between institutions and communities can turn policy into action and bring meaningful change to people’s lives.