For years, residents of this village in Muzarabani walked to the Msengezi River for water, knowing what was in it. Villagers say four women were killed in crocodile attacks at the river between January and April 2026.

That journey has now ended. A new borehole and garden project, driven by the Seventh-day Adventist Church with donor support, has been formally handed over to the community at a ceremony attended by local leaders, church officials, and residents.

The project began with an evangelistic campaign held by the Church’s Guruve District, which invited Dr. Alaisa Mbiriri as a guest speaker. Speaking to residents and the local pastor during the programme, Mbiriri identified the water shortage that had affected the village for years, and went on to seek funding for a solution.

“When I went to Muzarabani for the campaign, I had a desire to do more than just preach but meet the needs of the community, so I asked the community and the local pastor as to what challenges were in the community, and it was when I learnt of this water challenge,” Mbiriri said.

“I then took it upon myself to look for sponsors who can help finish the project and make sure the community has access to clean and safe water to drink.”

The sponsorship she secured paid for the borehole to be drilled and established the Anouya Garden Project alongside it.

North Zimbabwe Conference Ministerial Director Pastor Musiiwa, who gave the keynote address at the handover, described the project as central to the Church’s work.

“The church finds joy in satisfying people’s needs and is glad to share the little we have,” Musiiwa said. “God is looking for those who are concerned about other people’s problems.”

Guruve District Pastor Chigonero said the Church was following Christ’s method of meeting physical needs directly, and said the borehole and garden could transform livelihoods across Mhene Village if well managed.

Local leaders urged residents to protect the new infrastructure. Councillor Chiwashira thanked the Church and asked residents to “guard the borehole and garden projects jealously.”

Village head Mhene said the project had lifted a significant burden from the community.

“It is my prayer that this borehole never dries up,” he said, adding that residents of neighbouring Chawarura and Mapfumo villages, who face the same water shortage, are welcome to draw water from the installation.