China on Friday handed over 300 boreholes drilled in drought-affected parts of Zimbabwe, saying the project has brought clean water to more than 75,000 people while strengthening rural livelihoods.
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding said the initiative reached 300 villages in 21 districts across Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Masvingo and Midlands provinces in less than two years.
The project followed the El Niño-induced drought that led President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a national disaster in 2024.
The boreholes now provide safe drinking water and support farming activities, including crop production, livestock rearing and vegetable cultivation, Zhou said at the handover ceremony in Chimanimani.
He said China had drilled more than 1,300 boreholes in Zimbabwe over the past decade, benefiting about 500,000 people.
Zhou also announced that China would upgrade nine irrigation schemes before year-end and said Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, would open new opportunities for local exporters.
China is Zimbabwe’s biggest buyer of tobacco and macadamia nuts. According to Zhou, nearly half of Zimbabwe’s tobacco output last year was exported to China, earning about US$800 million, while macadamia exports exceeded 5,000 tonnes worth US$12 million.
Zimbabwean citrus, blueberries and dried chillies have also entered the Chinese market, with sesame expected to follow.
- Mr President, you missed the opportunity to be the veritable voice of conscience
- ED to commission new-look border post
- Zanu PF ready for congress
- EU slams Zim over delayed reforms
Keep Reading
“China’s vast market is bringing greater income prospects for farmers in Manicaland and across Zimbabwe,” Zhou said.
