Early December marked the completion of a new community piped water scheme in Masoka – one of the Chewore Conservation Trust’s first programmes in the area, designed to support an important resource the community has been lacking: safe and reliable water.
For years, many households walked more than 5 km to collect water from natural sources also used by wildlife. This placed a heavy burden on families and contributed to human–wildlife conflict, particularly in the dry season when both people and animals depend on the same shrinking pools.
In partnership with the Mbire DDF Water Department, CCT helped identify and test a borehole site selected by the community. The results confirmed a high-yield water source suitable for human consumption, livestock, and small domestic projects. With this assurance, the community led the next phase: digging approximately 13 km of pipeline trenches to bring water safely into the village.
Solar stands and a 10,000-litre tank have now been installed, the piping has been connected, and the system is fully operational. The new scheme is expected to supply clean water to around 300 households – roughly 1,500 people – reducing long walking distances and decreasing reliance on natural water points shared with elephants and other wildlife.
This project shows what is possible when conservation efforts and community priorities align. It has been made possible through funding from a valued donor, and is received with deep gratitude by AWE for Nature, CCT, and the Masoka community.
