In the heart of Rushinga, a small peri-urban area in the vastness of rural Zimbabwe, a story of resilience and determination is unfolding. For 20 years, the residents of this place have struggled with access to clean water, relying on boreholes and bush pumps to quench their thirst. But one man, Councillor Admire Mupemhi, has taken it upon himself to change this narrative.
Admire Mupemhi (AM) is a dedicated councillor who has been fighting for the rights of his ward, while Lancelot Tsikira (LT) is our interviewer who sat down with AM to hear his inspiring story.
LT: What motivated you to prioritize restoring piped water in your constituency, AM?
AM: As a councillor, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that my ward have faced for far too long. For 20 years, we’ve had to rely on boreholes and bush pumps for water, which is unacceptable for an urban area like Rushinga. I knew I had to do something to change that.
LT: Can you describe the challenges you faced in addressing this issue, and how you overcame them?
AM: Oh, there were many challenges. I was fought politically, and at one point, I was even attacked by a group called Forever Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ) while trying to repair a borehole. But I persevered and engaged with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) team, and we were able to repair some of the major supply boreholes and pipes. It wasn’t easy, but we did it.
LT: How did you work with local authorities and communities to achieve this success?
AM: I engaged with the ZINWA team and the local authorities, and we worked together to find solutions. I also listened to the residents and incorporated their ideas into our plan. It was a team effort, and I’m grateful for the support.
LT: What impact do you believe access to reliable piped water will have on the daily lives of rural residents?
AM: It’s already made a huge difference. Residents no longer have to travel long distances for water or rely on unsafe sources which they used to pay a dollar for every 300 litres fetched. They can now enjoy the luxury of flushing toilets, showers, and gardens. It’s transformed their lives.
LT: How do you plan to sustain and maintain the water supply infrastructure in the long term?
AM: We’re planning to build bigger reservoirs, replace water pumps, and install new pipes. We’ll also work to mechanise the bush pumps with solar systems and bulk tanks.
LT: What role do you think opposition councillors can play in driving development in rural areas?
AM: We can troubleshoot and find solutions together with the authorities. We can listen to the problems and work to address them without intimidation or accusation.
LT: How did you secure funding and resources for this project, and what were some of the obstacles you faced?
AM: I didn’t receive any funding, but the residents were eager to help and provided human capital and a willing heart. We faced many obstacles, but we persevered.
LT: Can you share any personal stories or experiences from residents who have benefited from restored piped water?
AM: One resident told me that they never thought they’d be able to bathe from a shower or drink water from a tap. It’s moments like those that make all the hard work worth it.
LT: How does this achievement align with your broader vision for development in rural Zimbabwe?
AM: It’s a step towards changing the mindset that development is only possible in urban areas. We can achieve great things in rural areas too.
LT: What message do you have for other opposition councillors and leaders who may be facing similar challenges in their own constituencies?
AM: Endurance and perseverance are key. Don’t give up, even when faced with bullies and intimidators. Work with the residents and authorities to find solutions.
LT: What are other development plans on your calendar?
AM: We’re working on tarred roads, street lights, more private clinics and schools, a community library, polytechnic college, availability of medicine in our local clinics, and recreational centers. We’re also hoping to attract industrial and mining investors.
LT: Thank you, Councillor, for sharing your inspiring story with us today.
AM:Thank you for having me.