HARARE, July 22 -- A total of 300 boreholes will be drilled in four provinces of Zimbabwe under a China-aided borehole drilling project launched on Monday in Mahusekwa, a town in Mashonaland East Province.

The borehole drilling initiative followed the declaration of a state of disaster by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on March 3 due to an El Nino-induced drought facing the country.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, Zimbabwean Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Daniel Garwe said the initiative will profoundly impact the lives of people in districts severely affected by the drought in Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, and Midlands provinces.

"The China-aided borehole drilling project is a symbol of cooperation, compassion, and unwavering support from our all-weather friend, the People's Republic of China, to ensure access to safe water for all Zimbabweans," said Garwe.

He said the project, to be implemented by China Geo-Engineering Corporation, will go a long way in alleviating water challenges in the four provinces.

"These boreholes will not only provide safe water to the affected community, but will also serve as a stepping stone towards resilience building in view of the current El Nino-induced drought, and will also save the lives of our livestock, which is also in dire need of water," he said.

In addition, Garwe said the project will go a step further in equipping locals with the technical skills necessary to maintain and manage the boreholes.

During the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the project is another testimony to the profound friendship between Zimbabwe and China.

"I hope that the boreholes supported by China Aid will help extinguish 'the fire of drought' for our Zimbabwean friends," said Zhou, adding that over the past 10 years, China has drilled more than 1,000 boreholes across Zimbabwe, providing easy access to clean water and irrigation for about 400,000 people.

Local villagers at the Mahusekwa township, where the initial borehole was drilled after the launching ceremony, welcomed the initiative, saying the availability of water at their doorsteps will make their lives easier.

"We are grateful to our Chinese friends; they are compassionate friends who are elevating our friendship with this initiative," said Tatenda Chimbwanda, a villager from Mahusekwa.

  - Xinhua