Need for water unites people in Muzarabani North

The need for water in Muzarabani North has united people from political and social divide as the communities are working together in the construction of a dam wall.

Heal Zimbabwe Trust states that the people of Chadereka community in Muzarabani, Ward 1 converged to preach the message of peace by hosting a nhimbe where they made preparations to construct a dam. Nhimbes are traditional platforms that bring diverse local people to work together while enhancing individual and group community relations, hence building peace.

"The activity is part of Heal Zimbabwe's community initiatives carried out by local Peace Clubs established to promote community healing and tolerance, conflict prevention and transformation," stated Heal Zimbabwe.

"35 community members from four villages namely; Hove, Chitengu, Mutasa and Mvundura villages converged on the 27th of August 2015 to construct a dam wall along Kanyenze River to preserve water beyond the rainy season."

The Trust said the dam is a source of water for livestock for the four villages that came together on this day.

"Muzarabani area traditionally records low and erratic rainfalls. The nhimbe was also attended by three traditional leaders who are customarily responsible for maintaining communal peace and conflict resolution," said the Trust.

Mr Hove, a local village head applauded HZT for the initiatives. "We thank Heal Zimbabwe for this nhimbe because it has brought us together to realise the importance of working together and this has regenerated our thirst for building peace by working together", he said.

The Trust said the villages are previously known for violent clashes between political opponents, particularly ZANU PF and MDC supporters.

"However, on this day, people from different political groups converged to pursue the development agenda for their community without fighting. Besides bringing people from diverse political parties, the nhimbe also provided an opportunity for community members to discuss conflict issues affecting their communities as well as the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) which is constitutionally mandated to build peace and promote national healing, reconciliation and integration," said the Trust.