It’s been somewhat exasperating to get a grip on what is going on with the Zimbabwean weather. We know that the drought has been plaguing particularly the rural residents for a long time, and this year has been no exception.
We began with a list of wells needing deepening, and with many thanks to you, we were able to deepen all 25 in November 2024, an achievement that has brought good relief to the community. Your generosity has made such a tangible difference in the lives of those facing the worst of these conditions. Thank you so much!
But, the circumstances continue to evolve, and we need your help. On the heels of our November work, we learned that at least another 24 families are in urgent need of well deepening. Please click here choosing well repair, sending any amount you are able. Digging averages $106-110 per well but anything helps.
When residents originally build a well, they tend to stop at 10 meters for instance, because maybe they hit water. But over time, they realize that they really should dig another 5 meters, making it 15 to withstand the pressures of the persistent droughts.
Ironically, the bizarre nature of the weather changes add insult to injury. There have been thunder and lightning storms in Mhondoro (and not so much in town). Every week or so Muda has sent video of the rains creating havoc. The Nhimbe team goes to the school to deliver books and can’t even do that, waiting and waiting until there is a break. The cattle kraal began filling up with the rain, so they need to build a new one. One would think this water would be a blessing, and granted, the grass is benefitting, but the torrents do not really help any little seedlings take root. It also hasn’t made a dent in the deepening requirements. See short films here.
Besides the well deepening we found that we have 5 of the elderly (in their 80’s and 90’s) who have no well. Their water source has completely dried up. Fortunately, they have family or friends who have been bringing them water for quite some time, for example, from a kilometer away (.62 miles), but this is not a sustainable solution. They desperately need wells—both for their immediate survival and for their long-term well-being. Here is a video sharing stories of two of them.
Please take a moment to click the link here to extend your help. Your generosity will go a long way in making the lives of these rural villagers just a bit more comfortable and sustainable in the face of these unrelenting conditions. They are counting on us, and with your help, we can provide them with the life-saving resources they need.
Thank you again for your continued support. Together, we can help turn the tide for these communities in Zimbabwe.