Stories
April 28, 2025 • 2 min read
For the community in Nopemano Village, Zimbabwe, access to clean water became a daily struggle when the community’s only borehole fell into despair. With no alternative, Tholiwe Ngwenya had to travel hours by foot to retrieve water for her children, only to find contaminated water sources. With the support of Irish Aid, GOAL was able to restore the community’s borehole, bringing clean water back to the community.
The Journey for Clean Water
The communities of Nopemano village in rural Zimbabwe battled daily for survival, as access to clean water was a constant struggle. The community had a borehole, a source of clean water that brought relief and hope. But when it fell into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance, the villagers were forced to return to Thekwane River. For women like Tholiwe Ngwenya, life became an uphill battle. Each day began before dawn as they braced for the gruelling three-hour trek to fetch water. The journey was exhausting. Laden with heavy buckets, their backs ached, their feet blistered, and their hearts ached for the children they had to leave behind. Yet, the water they gathered was often contaminated—a breeding ground for diseases that ravaged the community, especially the children.
The change came with the arrival of GOAL, supported by Irish Aid. Determined to restore hope to the village and committed to reviving the long-defunct borehole, GOAL’s team worked tirelessly, replacing broken pipes and pumps and breathing life back into the neglected borehole.
Finally, the day of transformation arrived. Clean, refreshing water gushed from the borehole again, ending the villagers’ arduous treks to the river. A collective cheer erupted as joy spread through the community. What was once a three-hour journey was now just a five-minute walk. For Tholiwe and her neighbours, the restored borehole was more than a water source—it symbolized renewed hope. “We used to walk for hours, carrying heavy buckets,” she said, her voice brimming with gratitude. “When the borehole broke, we had no choice but to return to the river. Now, with clean water close by, our children are healthier, and we have time to focus on our lives and livelihoods. We are so thankful for this gift.”
Nopemano village, once burdened by the daily struggle for water, now thrives. Children run freely through the fields, their laughter is a melody of renewal, proof that access to clean water can transform lives and unlock brighter futures.
Learn more about GOAL’s work with Irish Aid
