Turning Water Scarcity into Opportunity: GiK Support Transforms Livelihoods in Tongogara Refugee Settlement

By Ronald Magweta (Communications Officer)

Water is life—and in Tongogara Refugee Settlement (TRS), it is also the foundation of hope for thousands of families striving to rebuild their lives. When World Vision began implementing WASH and livelihoods projects in the camp, one of the greatest challenges was meeting the growing demand for water.

“The water we were pumping from our stations had to serve both domestic use and livelihoods,” explains Alphonse Nguvo, World Vision’s WASH Officer. 

“It was never enough to meet the needs of households while also sustaining projects like nutrition gardens, fisheries, and livestock.”

To address the challenge, World Vision, with funding from UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and vital Gifts-in-Kind (GiK) support, embarked on an innovative solution—sand abstraction from the nearby Save River. 

Through GiK, the team received 124 solar panels and two 40,000-litre tanks, which now power pumps that draw water from wells sunk into the river’s sand.

This innovation has been a game-changer. The water is stored and directed to key livelihood projects, including 21fish ponds, insect farming, hydroponics, piggery, and community nutrition gardens.

“For the fish ponds, we used to struggle,” recalls Tinotenda Zinyowera, a Livelihoods Field Facilitator. 

“During hot seasons, the water would dry up and affect the fish, and farmers would lose their hard work. Now, with reliable water supply, the ponds are thriving.”

The benefits go beyond fish farming. The piggery project, which requires large volumes of water, has improved dramatically. Farmers can now keep their pigs healthy and clean. Meanwhile, the community nutrition garden is flourishing, providing diverse vegetables that improve children’s diets in the settlement.

“This water is bringing life to our projects,” Tinotenda adds. “Children are eating better, families are earning income, and farmers no longer fear losing everything during the dry season.”

What once was a struggle for survival has now become a story of resilience and growth. Thanks to GiK support, Tongogara’s refugees are not only accessing clean water for daily use but are also building sustainable livelihoods that bring dignity and hope for the future.