Villagers in Chikomba district are being asked to bring water when they go to clinics for medical attention as the area is facing acute water shortages.

Some schools in the drought prone area risk closure as there is barely any water, thereby exposing pupils to a health hazard. Chikomba East MP, Cde Edgar Mbwembwe (Zanu-PF) was yesterday handed a US$2 000 donation by TV Sales and Home to complete sinking eight deep wells at schools and clinics to mitigate the water shortages.

The donation was part of the firm's corporate social responsibility after the legislator approached it.

Some of the beneficiaries of the assistance are Mushipe, Mupatsi, Mutengwa and Matowe schools as well as Musumha and Mufudziwaka clinics.

Speaking soon after the hand over ceremony, Cde Mbwembwe said his constituency was one of those rural areas adversely affected by water challenges.

"In urban areas, we take the issue of water for granted, but in the rural areas villagers have to travel long distances to fetch water," said Cde Mbwembwe.

"We have heard situations where schools risk closure by health authorities over non-availability of water.