China-aided well-drilling project nourishes people in Zimbabwe

The China-aided project of 500 wells in Zimbabwe was successfully completed and handed over on April 21.

Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of Zimbabwe Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe Cheng Yan, and Permanent Secretary of Manicaland Province Edgars Seenza attended the handover ceremony.

Masuka extended his appreciation to the Chinese government for its support and assistance to Zimbabwe in various fields, especially the well-drilling project, which has made important contributions to ensuring clean and safe drinking water in remote areas, and provided strong support for the country to achieve its 2030 agenda.

Seenza spoke highly of the project in promoting local agricultural development and improving the health of local women and children. He called on the local people to cherish the friendship between the two countries, and to take good care of the wells built with Chinese assistance, making them a long-lasting symbol of the Zimbabwe- China friendship.  

Cheng said that the China-Zimbabwe friendship has grown stronger over time, and the well-drilling project is a clear source of nourishment for the long-standing friendship between the two countries. China is ready to work with Zimbabwe to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative, implement the Global Development Initiative, and engage in pragmatic cooperation to yield more practical results, benefiting the people of both countries, he said.

Located in the interior of southern Africa, Zimbabwe is plagued by drought and the lack of water supply in most areas, especially rural areas. Since 2012, China has built 1,000 wells for Zimbabwe, greatly alleviating the country’s water shortage and benefiting over 400,000 local people. Local residents are grateful for China's selfless assistance and consider the China-built wells "gifts of lives".