Forgotten But Not Forsaken: The Struggles and Small Triumphs at New Hope Old People’s Home, Gatsi Honde Valley

By Evans Jona

Nestled in the remote corners of Honde Valley, Manicaland, the New Hope Old People’s Home stands as a quiet refuge for the elderly, a place meant to offer peace and dignity in the twilight years of life. But behind its name lies a daily struggle for basic necessities that many take for granted: clean water, proper sanitation, and decent nutrition.

For the 6 elderly residents who call this place home, life is a daily negotiation with hardship. The home’s most pressing challenge is water, a vital resource that remains painfully scarce.

Zimbabwe Senior Citizens Association (ZSCA) Project Coordinator Thomas Chimtanda says the situation is both heartbreaking and urgent.

“Right now, we have one of the older men here who fetches water from a stream about 500 meters away using a wheelbarrow,” said Chimtanda. “Imagine the strain on his health and the risk, especially during the rainy season when the path becomes slippery.”

The home relies on this makeshift system for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Without a borehole on-site, the simple act of accessing water has become an arduous task for people already dealing with the frailties of old age.

Beyond the water woes, the home still depends on pit latrines, a setup that, while common in rural communities, presents a particular challenge for the elderly. Frail joints, failing eyesight, and limited mobility make it both dangerous and undignified.

“It pains me to see our elderly parents living in these conditions,” said Chimtanda. “Proper flush toilets would drastically improve their lives, their health, and restore a measure of dignity.”

Inadequate sanitation increases the risk of disease outbreaks, which could be catastrophic in a setting where medical resources are limited.

The third major hurdle facing New Hope is food and nutrition. While donors and well-wishers occasionally step in, consistent funding remains elusive. Balanced meals, essential for aging bodies, are a luxury rather than a standard.

“These are people who need specific diets — soft foods, more vegetables, and balanced nutrition to manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes,” explained Chimtanda. “Yet we struggle to provide even the basics.”

Without a sustainable funding model, the home’s management scrambles to ensure the residents have something to eat, often relying on the goodwill of community members.

Despite these sobering realities, rays of hope pierce through the gloom. Donors like Matan Transporters have made regular contributions, while Pastor Farera from Mutare installed a Jojo tank connected with a piped water system, easing the burden slightly.

“It shows what a big difference community support can make,” said Chimtanda. “When people come together, we can alleviate some of these hardships.”

But these efforts, while commendable, remain stopgap solutions. Chimtanda insists that a sustainable approach is the only way forward. He believes that drilling a borehole powered by a solar pump would provide a reliable, long-term water solution.

“A borehole would change everything,” he said. “It would give us clean water, ease the burden on the elderly, and improve sanitation standards.”

Additionally, constructing modern toilets and improving waste management would dramatically enhance health and dignity for the residents. On the food security front, Chimtanda advocates for partnerships with local farmers and well-wishers, as well as organized fundraising campaigns.

“We have to think beyond donations and build a model that sustains itself,” he urged. “These are the same people who raised us, built our communities, and now they deserve better care.”

As the country grapples with an aging population and limited social welfare provisions, the plight of homes like New Hope Old People’s Home highlights broader gaps in elderly care.

“We can’t look away,” said Chimtanda. “We owe it to them to provide safe water, proper toilets, food on the table, and a clean, loving environment. Growing old should not be a curse.”

In a nation known for its communal spirit, perhaps it is time to rally behind homes like New Hope, ensuring the elderly are not just housed but truly cared for — with dignity, compassion, and hope.

About The Author