Conversations with Longina Masiyenyama, a Female Borehole Sitting Expert!

Longina Masiyenyama is a borehole siting expert at Nakiso Borehole Drilling . Her profession involves making field observations of the local...

Longina Masiyenyama is a borehole siting expert at Nakiso Borehole Drilling. Her profession involves making field observations of the local geology, hydrology and existing water sources.

Siting boreholes requires a good understanding of where groundwater occurs and how it behaves in the local environment. The borehole drilling industry is dominated by men, but she is proving herself with a very high percentage of locating water.

Conversations with Longina Masiyenyama, a Female Borehole Sitting Expert!

As part of our celebration and offering a voice to influential women in Zimbabwe, Nakiso TV interviewed her to learn more about her work.

NTV: Tell us more about yourself?

My name is Longina Masiyenyama, I was born in March 1982 in Harare, Kambuzumba. I am the firstborn in a family of three, with two girls and one boy. I did my primary education at Warren Primary 2.

NTV: What do you remember about your early days?

At primary I was an active sportsperson and my school was proud of me. I was a competitive athlete and went on to compete at the provincial level. I went to play hockey in secondary school and played for the Zimbabwe team.

NTV: What was your experience as a hockey player?

I was in Form three and we only three black players in our team and the majority were white. There was a lot of racism. We were looked down upon and always told “remember you are from a group B school.” But I grew up with a positive attitude that I could do anything that I focused on accomplishing. That experience was degrading but I persevered. I played at the club level until my first born turned three.

NTV: Tell us about your marriage?

I got married at 18 just after I completed my Ordinary Level. At that time, my husband lost his job and we started running various small businesses like making wallets. I made the wallets and my husband sold them. We faced so many challenges and I had to act to feed my family. We sold a lot of goods that were in demand.

NTV: When did you enter the borehole drilling industry?

I started working at Nakiso Borehole Drilling two years ago and was mentored by experts in borehole siting. I can advise if there is water or not. I love my job very much.

NTV: Why did you choose the borehole drilling industry?

I wanted to work and knew I could accomplish anything that I wanted to. I wanted to locate water and help women who mainly fetch water for their families, sometimes spending long hours queuing for the precious liquid.

NTV: What are some of the challenges you faced when you started?

When I started it was not easy because the industry is dominated by men who believe that women cannot do it. Some men questioned my accuracy and if I was capable of delivering correct readings. I was a novice in the industry but I was confident that I could do it.

NTV: How do you address such challenges?

We are sometimes faced with low water yields. But it happens in the drilling industry but I have never got a dry hole. However, some of our clients do not understand. I make my clients believe in our process and have hope that we will offer them the best service.

NTV: What is your advice to other women?

Women should not be lazy. What you plan to do can be done, you just needed to be committed and know your mission. Don’t be discouraged that you are a woman and told that you only exist to give birth and take care of the family.

NTV: How do you balance your family and work?

I have learned how to focus. I know when to start and finish my work. When it is working time, I work and I also respect my family time. I value my time with my family.

NTV: How does your husband support you?

My husband is very supportive. At first, when I started sitting, he asked if I was capable but he also encouraged me to learn more about my trade. When I am low and tired he helps me a lot.

Conversations with Longina Masiyenyama

Conversations with Longina Masiyenyama

About Nakiso Borehole Drilling: (Extract From Website)

We seek out to be the finest borehole drilling company in Zimbabwe. This is why we maintain the strictest quality standards in the industry and have an unshakeable commitment to sustainable borehole drilling services. Nakiso Borehole Drilling is a dynamic leader in the borehole drilling business in Zimbabwe. 

We are a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for other borehole drilling companies. We are building a business in which high standards permeate all aspects of our company.

Website: www.nakisoboreholes.co.zw

Conversations with Longina Masiyenyama

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