24/07/2026
Bishop Mupa Commissions Chitowa Community Piped Water Scheme in Chivi Ward 5
By Masvingo SOCCOM, Farai Mugondegwa
Safe water is more than a basic need, it is the foundation of healthy communities. In line with this, on the 21st of July 2026, Rt. Rev. Bishop Raymond T. Mupa commissioned the Chitowa community piped water scheme in Ward 5, Chivi District.
Funded by Misereor and implemented by Caritas Masvingo Zimbabwe, this community-led initiative complements existing government efforts to expand access to clean and reliable water, improve public health, and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
This initiative was implemented under the project titled, 'Improving Sustainable Agriculture, Gender and WASH Conditions Experienced by Smallholder Farmers in Chivi District' (2024 -2027).
Also in attendence was the Vicar General Fr O.P. Chagweda, Parish priest Rev. Fr. Ndete, Caritas ExOfficio Rev. Fr. Hungwe, Caritas board and staff, fellow Diocesan commissions, representatives from government line ministries, local leaders and the community of Ward 5.
His Lordship, Bishop Mupa, in his address commended the community of Ward 5 for their active participation and hours invested in the project, with over 300 community members contributing their labour to the manual construction of the water scheme by trenching, laying water pipes and ferrying of materials.
He further encouraged beneficiaries to continue working together to maintain the water infrastructure, saying community ownership and responsible stewardship would ensure that the scheme serves future generations.
The solar-powered scheme has 20 000litre water storage tanks capacity, supplying water for domestic use to approximately 120 households through taps strategically positioned around the villages in the Ward.
Before the intervention, families travelled several kilometres carrying buckets on their heads to collect water from unsafe open water sources, posing a health risk.
