China has handed over 300 boreholes to Zimbabwe, providing clean and reliable water to more than 75,000 people across the country, according to the People’s Daily.
The China-funded borehole drilling project, which was launched in 2024, covered 300 villages in four provinces and forms part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries aimed at improving rural livelihoods and access to essential services.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, officially handed over the boreholes during a ceremony held in Manicaland Province on Friday, 12 June.
Speaking at the event, Zhou said the boreholes will provide safe water for household use and agricultural activities, while also helping to reduce waterborne diseases and strengthen the resilience of farming communities.
He said the project was designed to improve living standards in rural areas and support Zimbabwe’s efforts to enhance water security and agricultural productivity.
“With reliable water access, crop farming, livestock rearing, poultry raising, and vegetable cultivation have all thrived in the local communities,” Zhou said.
“This project has also empowered tens of thousands of women and children, freeing up their time for schooling and other meaningful work to build better livelihoods.”
Over the past decade, China has drilled more than 1,300 boreholes across Zimbabwe, providing clean water and irrigation facilities to around half a million people, Zhou said.
He added that the projects have helped improve access to safe water in rural communities while supporting agricultural production and livelihoods.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued support, saying the newly commissioned boreholes will significantly improve water, sanitation and hygiene services in communities affected by disasters and water shortages.
Garwe described the initiative as a major milestone, adding that it supports the country’s National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
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