Installation of boreholes and wells

In Zimbabwe, dirty water is a leading cause of illness for many communities. In drought-stricken areas, water sources can be between 5–15 km away and are often contaminated by human waste and pollutants, resulting in the spreading of preventable waterborne diseases. Women and children have no choice but to walk to collect this water, and even on the journey they are at risk of attack or drowning. This is why Showers of Blessing exists.

What is Showers of Blessing?

Showers of Blessing provides communities with access to safe water through borehole installation. They work with communities to drill, fit, and maintain boreholes and other water infrastructure that meet the community’s needs. They continue to work with the communities establishing income-generating projects and investing in tree-planting. Established in 2007 by local partner BJ Mpofu and leaders of the Associated Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe, the goal is to support communities in drought-prone areas to become self-sustaining.

What is the impact of this project?

Installing a borehole provides safe water for an entire community. This means fewer diseases like cholera and dysentery, and a greater variety of vegetables can be grown, improving nutrition and providing income. Community members often tell us how personal hygiene has improved, now they can bathe, wash their hands, and do laundry in clean water. A local borehole also eliminates the need for women to walk long, dangerous distances for water and supports local livelihood initiatives, benefitting everyone in the community.

Now, with more water available, Showers of Blessing has begun a tree-planting project with a local school. As native trees flourish because of the borehole, students have the opportunity to learn about conservation. Fruit trees also create an income stream for the school.