Zimbabwe: Solar Power, Safer water, stronger women transforming communities through water solutions in Kadoma

From the heart of Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province, a determined community leader, councillor Richard Mhazo had a dream and vision to improve the persistent water challenge facing the Kadoma community. This dream was amplified by Gender Links Zimbabwe who supported this vision by their timely programming of promoting gender inclusion, diversity and empowerment. What started off like a mere programme workshop attendance transformed his resolve to empower the disadvantaged and marginalised community members. Richard Mhazo, an elected councillor in Kadoma well known for his commitment to sustainable development has become a catalyst for change through his leadership in introducing solar-powered boreholes. This intervention had dramatically improved water access and advanced gender empowerment in the community. 

Richard recalls the daily hardships faced by his family and the community at large before he initiated the project. For years, families relied on manual bush pumps that frequently broke down, leaving women and girls to walk long distances in harsh conditions in search of water. Indeed, women, girls and young boys carried the heaviest burden due to societal beliefs that duties of fetching water were gendered. Further, poor water supply affected the health and sanitation of most communities leading to perennial cholera and other water borne diseases. This affected children of school going age especially girls and women who were deprived off their education, income generating opportunities, and overall well-being.  

As a councillor Richard Mhazo realized that meaningful change required collective action, thus he started working closely with the Mayor, councillors, business community, and various other local community groups. Together, they initiated a plan to rehabilitate old boreholes and converted them into sustainable solar-powered water systems. Unlike traditional water projects, this initiative placed women and girls at its centre not merely as beneficiaries, but as trained operators and leaders. “This project had to empower women beyond water collection it needed to give them skills, confidence, and ownership,” said Cllr R. Mhazo. 

The results have been transformative were women and girls now access clean, reliable water without walking long distances or queueing. The intervention had freed time for school children to have uninterrupted education as well as affording adults enough time to venture into income generating activities. Community member, Christine Phiri echoed: “Before the solar borehole, I used to queue for over three hours every day to fetch water but now I can focus on my small garden and my children’s homework.” 

Richard’s initiative has also strengthened women’s leadership roles by involving them as local water point committee members, women now operate and maintain the solar systems. This shift has elevated women’s voices in community decision-making and expanded their technical skills. Another community member, Nyasha Whinya, shared, “With the solar pump, our community works together, and I feel proud to contribute to decisions about how we use our resources.” 

Local authorities have praised the project for its measurable impact. Proportional Representative councillor, Agnes Ndengwa affirmed, “The solarized boreholes have improved access to water to our community. We’ve seen a clear increase in girls attending school and women starting small businesses this is real empowerment in action.” 

Under Richard’s leadership, sustainability has remained a core pillar, were individual households within the facility’s catchment area contribute to a maintenance fund, ensuring the boreholes remain functional without relying on external donors. Women receive training in solar technology maintenance, hygiene promotion, and basic financial management. This combination of capacity building and community ownership ensures the project’s long-term viability. The success story of Kadoma water solar system has inspired the Kadoma City Council and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to explore ways to replicate the model in other parts of Kadoma and beyond. It has been noted that health records showed a decrease in waterborne diseases, gardens and micro agriculture projects are flourishing, and school attendance especially for girls continues to rise. 

Reflecting on the journey, Richard emphasized the power of community-driven solutions. “Real change happens when people believe in their own ability to transform their lives. I simply helped create the opportunity our women and girls did the rest.” 

Through his dedication, vision, and unwavering belief in gender equality, Mhazo Richard stands out as a true Driver of Change, a leader who has not only improved water access but has sparked a movement of empowerment that will shape the future of Kadoma for generations. 

 By: Richard Mhazo