By A Correspondent- China has committed to fund the construction of 47 boreholes in Makoni district, it has emerged.

The drilling of the boreholes will be carried out by China’s charity arm China Aid and will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The development will go a long way in the provision of clean and portable water to villagers.

The boreholes will be drilled at schools; clinics and village centres where people are having challenges in accessing  water.

Makoni Rural District Council chief executive Dr Edward Pise thanked the central government for brokering the deal with the Chinese government. He added that the project would help villagers with water, sanitation and hygiene challenges they have been grappling with for many years.

“Constructing 47 boreholes is no mean feat. Its mammoth task, which our council was struggling to do due to a number of challenges. Engaging private players to drill a borehole you part away with not less than $8 000 which is a lot of money and now we have 47 for free.

“The boreholes will be drilled at strategic places such as schools, clinic and village centres for many people to easily access clean water.

“Council has robust water, sanitation and hygiene programmes and the coming in of China Aid is icing on the cake. We want all our residents to have easy access to clean water,’’ said Mr Pise.