FARMERS in Tsholotsho district, Matabeleland North province, are spending entire nights trying to pump water for their livestock while grappling with the severe impacts of the El Niño-induced drought.
Villagers in the district told Southern Eye that their daily routines have been disrupted, as many devote their time to sourcing water for their animals amid deepening water shortages.
Matabeleland North Proportional Representation MP Sethulo Ndebele said the drought was forcing villagers to endure sleepless nights to ensure their livestock have enough water to drink.
“Water is the most pressing issue we face. Many boreholes are either drawing water from deep underground or have run dry,” Ndebele said.
“Those who manage to pump water often find themselves sleeping at the boreholes just to secure water for their livestock.”
The harsh weather conditions have also forced villagers to spend long hours away from home while searching for water sources and grazing land for their animals.
“Many of the boreholes are obsolete and problematic. In some areas, there are only a few boreholes, forcing villagers to seek water elsewhere for both domestic use and livestock, which is incredibly challenging,” she said.
“This situation is harming the livestock sector, prompting many to cull their herds to manage the crisis.
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“We hope for early rains this year. If they come late, we will lose even more livestock.”
Ndebele also called on the government and its development partners to intervene by drilling new boreholes, to help alleviate the crisis while enabling villagers to protect their livestock and meet their basic water needs.
Thabani Bhebhe, a villager from Siyabalandela North Ward 9 Maqethuka under Chief Tategulu, echoed Ndebele’s sentiments.
“We are enduring a dire situation here in Maqethuka. The water shortage forces us to travel long distances for both domestic and livestock water, often leading us to sleep near these scarce sources,” he said.
Bhebhe said the limited number of boreholes has created significant challenges, impacting their daily activities.
“We should be preparing for the planting season, but our exhaustion from sleepless nights hinders us,” he said.
He expressed concern that conditions are worsening daily as the drought persists, threatening their livestock and jeopardising their livelihoods.
