The first time I got water from the tap I was ecstatic. I do not know how to describe my happiness; it is impossible.”
Emmely is doing the washing up in Zimbabwe
Getting fresh water running
The introduction of solar-powered water systems in Zimbabwe means women like Emmely now have access to fresh running tap water close to home.
Emmely's story
Our water source was far away, especially considering our old age. Since the introduction of clean water, we can do a lot... there has been a great change. We used to fetch water twice or three times daily. If we carried two big containers in a wheelbarrow, once in the morning and once at the end of the day. If we were carrying the containers on our heads then we would go three times a day.
Fetching water would take about 45 minutes. When we got to the water source we would wait for the container to fill up. This would take about 20 minutes.
Aurelie Marrier D'Unienville / Oxfam

The difference water makes
The first time I got water from the new tap I was ecstatic. I do not know how to describe my happiness – it's impossible. But we were thrilled to have clean water.
Aurelie Marrier D'Unienville / Oxfam
How Oxfam is helping bring water to rural Zimbabwe
- Oxfam is funding solar powered water systems in Zimbabwe.
- Women like Emmely now have access to fresh running tap water close to home.
- This frees up time for things like earning an income and seeing friends and family.
Since the introduction of clean water, we can do a lot — fetch water, prepare the cattle for ploughing, fetch firewood, tend to the garden and do laundry whenever we want. We are now very happy. We can even leave our chores for a while. There has been a great change.
It is such a joy to have water tanks and the solar powered system. We are still rejoicing even now and we will continue into the future.
As long as I am drinking clean water, I see a bright future for myself as an individual.”
Emmely
Aurelie Marrier D'Unienville / Oxfam

Your donation could buy a handwashing tap and a water container
Help more women like Emmely
Having access to clean water has been such a good thing for our community.
Emmely is celebrating getting clean water running in Zimbabwe
Getting safe clean water flowing worldwide
40years
Oxfam has worked in Zimbabwe since 1980. A key element of our work in the country is to empower women and help them lift themselves out of poverty.
10water points
and 15 laundry facilities are being installed in Bubi, Zvishavane, Masvingo Rural and Gutu districts.
48%
A 2011 report found that less than half of Zimbabwe's rural population had access to safe drinking water (Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey) .