The fine white dust infiltrated the cab of the old pickup despite our best efforts to seal the windows and vents. It crept into our nostrils, hair, and eyes, covering everything in a pale film. We drove past endless dry fields of desiccated maize. The road, little more than a winding track across the Somabhula Flats in central Zimbabwe, stretched to the horizon where dark clouds gathered, promising the longed-for rains.
Our destination was St. Davids, Dorset, a small village perched on the edge of a hard quartzitic ridge. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Rev. Mabhaudhi and the ululating Mothers' Union representatives, adorned in their traditional blue and white attire. We were there to celebrate the new borehole and solar pumping array that now provided continuous clean water to the community.

But this story is best told by Mrs. Ncube, whose photo adorns this blog. A lively and cheerful woman, Mrs. Ncube delights in singing, breaking into song at the slightest invitation. She is a dedicated church warden, a community health worker, a mother of seven, a grandmother of fifteen, and the wife of the village head. Her roles encompass guiding and feeding many mouths and hearts, and she handles them all with grace.
The new borehole has enabled Mrs. Ncube to engage in horticulture, generating a small income for the church and creating a buffer for challenging times. I was captivated by her enormous cabbages, which have allowed her not only to feed her family but also to provide essential nutritional support to her patients during home visits. In this drought-ravaged area, where feeding families is a constant challenge, Mrs. Ncube's vegetables are a lifeline.
Remarkably, she has showcased her produce at local agricultural shows, winning prizes. As Rev. Mabhaudhi notes, these achievements boost her confidence and highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture to the wider community.
The borehole is indeed a "gamechanger" for families like Mrs. Ncube's. She can now prepare and preserve boiled vegetables (mufushwa) for future needs, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious food. Her home has become a beacon of hope, drawing in other villagers. The continuous water supply has enhanced her vocation, community service, agricultural pursuits, and family well-being.
Rev. Mabhaudhi remarks, “Her heartfelt gratitude is a testament to the positive impact of this project, and we look forward to continued success and growth.”
The St. Davids Borehole and Solar Installation is one of nearly a dozen similar projects coordinated by ARDEZ (Anglican Relief and Development in Zimbabwe) with funding and support from TZABA. I’m writing this blog as I prepare to travel to Zimbabwe on Thursday, January 16, to support the next phase of the project. Together with ARDEZ, we will drill and equip six more rural sites across the country with water.
I hope to provide regular updates and photos during my few weeks of travelling, and what a privilege I have to meet the heroes and heroines of Zimbabwe’s unfolding water story—people like Mrs. Ncube. And thank you to all our TZABA Supporters for giving Mrs. Ncube this gift - of water, and the opportunity to grow and support the community.
Sandy Elsworth 13 January 2025

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