STORY: China aids Zimbabwe with 300 boreholes to fight drought
SHOOTING TIME: July 22, 2024
DATELINE: July 25, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:12
LOCATION: MAHUSEKWA, Zimbabwe   
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the borehole drilling project
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DANIEL GARWE, Zimbabwean Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): DANIEL GARWE, Zimbabwean Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities
3. shot of the borehole drilling project
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Shona): TATENDA CHIMBWANDA, Villager from Mahusekwa

STORYLINE:

A China-aided borehole drilling project was launched on Monday in Zimbabwe's Mashonaland East Province. A total of 300 boreholes will be drilled in four provinces.

The initiative comes amid a prolonged, El Nino-induced drought, which led Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a state of disaster on March 3.

Daniel Garwe, Zimbabwe's Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, said during Monday's launch ceremony that the project will profoundly impact the lives of people in Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, and Midlands provinces.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DANIEL GARWE, Zimbabwean Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities
"The China Aid 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."

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

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): DANIEL GARWE, Zimbabwean Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities
"These boreholes will not only provide safe water to the affected communities, but will also serve as a stepping stone towards resilience building in view of the current El Nino drought, and will also save the lives of our livestock, which is also in dire need of water."

The launch ceremony was held in Mahusekwa township, where the first borehole was also drilled. Local villagers welcomed the initiative, saying that having water available at their doorsteps will make their lives easier.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Shona): TATENDA CHIMBWANDA, Villager from Mahusekwa
"We are grateful to our Chinese friends. They are compassionate friends who are elevating our friendship with this initiative."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Mahusekwa, Zimbabwe.
(XHTV)