Handover Ceremony of Japanese-Funded project “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project in Gokwe North, Midlands”
2015/11/26
On 17th November, the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, H.E Mr Yoshi Tendai Hiraishi officially handed over 10 classroom blocks, 10 latrine blocks, 7 water harvesting tanks, 45 hand-washing facilities and 31 shallow wells in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province.
The project was implemented by a Japanese NGO, ADRA Japan in cooperation with its local counterpart, ADRA Zimbabwe, with funding from the Japanese Government to the tune of approximately 1.5 million USD (one and a half million US dollars). Work commenced in February 2013 and was originally expected to be completed in March next year.
It focused on the improvement of water and hygiene conditions amongst the local Gokwe North community at large and the improvement of infrastructure at selected disadvantaged schools. More specifically, it has seen the construction of 10 classroom blocks and 10 latrine blocks, the installation of 7 water harvesting tanks and 45 handwashing facilities at satellite schools. It has also seen the construction/rehabilitation of 31 shallow wells in the community. Villagers and pupils have been trained in good health and hygiene practices and the maintenance of facilities. Some 7,000 villagers and 2,300 pupils have benefitted.
ADRA has been very active in Gokwe North District as it suffered extremely high mortality rates during the 2008/2009 cholera outbreak. A similar project, again focusing on WASH, was commissioned there in 2011 funded by Japanese Government.
Speaking at the occasion, H.E. Mr Hiraishi reiterated that the Embassy placed great emphasis on sustainability of facilities and encouraged villagers and pupils to maintain them so that they remain in good working condition for years to come. He also made special mention of the local authorities who spared no effort to see the project to fruition.
Ambassador's Speech
The project was implemented by a Japanese NGO, ADRA Japan in cooperation with its local counterpart, ADRA Zimbabwe, with funding from the Japanese Government to the tune of approximately 1.5 million USD (one and a half million US dollars). Work commenced in February 2013 and was originally expected to be completed in March next year.
It focused on the improvement of water and hygiene conditions amongst the local Gokwe North community at large and the improvement of infrastructure at selected disadvantaged schools. More specifically, it has seen the construction of 10 classroom blocks and 10 latrine blocks, the installation of 7 water harvesting tanks and 45 handwashing facilities at satellite schools. It has also seen the construction/rehabilitation of 31 shallow wells in the community. Villagers and pupils have been trained in good health and hygiene practices and the maintenance of facilities. Some 7,000 villagers and 2,300 pupils have benefitted.
ADRA has been very active in Gokwe North District as it suffered extremely high mortality rates during the 2008/2009 cholera outbreak. A similar project, again focusing on WASH, was commissioned there in 2011 funded by Japanese Government.
Speaking at the occasion, H.E. Mr Hiraishi reiterated that the Embassy placed great emphasis on sustainability of facilities and encouraged villagers and pupils to maintain them so that they remain in good working condition for years to come. He also made special mention of the local authorities who spared no effort to see the project to fruition.
Ambassador's Speech