Delta brings solar-powered water supply to 90 Kwekwe homesteads
ABOUT 90 homesteads in Zimende and Khatshana villages under Chief Malisa in Kwekwe District have received improved access to clean water following the commissioning of a US$12,000 solar-powered borehole by Delta Corporation.
The borehole, commissioned on September 7, is expected to serve approximately 45 homesteads in each of the two communities as part of the beverages company’s water stewardship and community development initiatives.
Delta Corporation chief executive officer Mathlogonolo Valela officially handed over the facility at a ceremony attended by about 120 people, including villagers, traditional leaders and other local stakeholders.
Valela said reliable access to water was critical to improving health and living conditions while supporting broader community development.
“Water is not simply a basic service; it is an essential foundation for health, dignity and community development,” Valela said.
“Through this project, we are helping to provide a more reliable water supply while reducing the burden placed on families when water is difficult to access.”
The borehole is powered by solar energy, reducing its dependence on conventional electricity while helping communities contain long-term operating costs.
The intervention comes as access to reliable water remains a challenge for some rural communities, where families can be forced to travel significant distances in search of the resource.
Valela said the project formed part of Delta’s broader approach to investing in communities connected to its operations.
“At Delta Corporation, we believe that our long-term success is closely connected to the wellbeing of the communities in which we operate,” he said.
“This borehole reflects our commitment to investing in practical, sustainable initiatives that respond to genuine community needs and create lasting value.”
Beyond providing water, Delta said the solar-powered system was designed with sustainability in mind, with renewable energy expected to improve operational reliability and reduce recurrent costs.
The company, however, challenged the beneficiary communities to take responsibility for protecting and maintaining the infrastructure to ensure it continues serving residents in the long term.
“The handover does not mark the end of this project. It marks the beginning of community ownership and stewardship,” Valela said.
“Its lasting impact will depend on how well the infrastructure is protected, maintained and equitably used.”
Delta said the project demonstrated how collaboration between the private sector, traditional leadership and communities could help address development challenges at local level.
The company acknowledged Chief Malisa, traditional leaders, community representatives and technical partners for their involvement in bringing the project to completion.
The Kwekwe project forms part of Delta Corporation’s wider corporate social investment and sustainability programme, which covers water stewardship, health, education, environmental responsibility and community empowerment.
For the families in Zimende and Khatshana, the investment is expected to provide a more dependable source of water while reducing the difficulties associated with accessing the essential resource.
Delta said it would continue supporting sustainable initiatives aimed at improving access to essential services and strengthening the resilience of communities.
