DROUGHT RELIEF PROJECT

Location: Masvingo, Victoria Province, Zimbabwe
Client: Ministry of Water Resources & Development, Harare, Zimbabwe

Background
Accelerated Drought Relief Program, Victoria Province, Zimbabwe. An emergency program designed to provide small-scale groundwater supplies to a large number of drought-affected villages in southern Zimbabwe. During 1983 Zimbabwe was suffering the consequences of two consecutive dry years. The affects in Victoria Province were particularly severe, and in response, the European Economic Community, jointly with the Government of Zimbabwe, funded a program to develop groundwater resources by drilling and commissioning 350 boreholes with handpumps within six months.

Hydrogeological Environment
As Senior Hydrogeologist on the project Chris Jewell was responsible for managing the three drilling rigs operating on the project. Boreholes were sited using a combination of air-photo interpretation, geophysical investigation and hydrogeological judgement. Well depths and completion designs were chosen on the spot, based on drilling returns and airlift yield. At some sites alternative solutions involving hand-dug wells or sub-surface dams were considered more appropriate than boreholes, and were recommended. During the project a total of 477 sites were investigated, 282 successful boreholes were drilled, and 39 alternative sources recommended.

Associated Companies
Hydrotechnica
Pengwern Court
Shrewsbury, England.

Brian Colquhoun & Partners
22 Upper Grosvenor St
London W1X 0AP, England.