Chronicle Editor
Blessing Karubwa, Chronicle Reporter
NEWLY commissioned Ndabankulu Clinic in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, which was built and equipped at a cost of US$250 000, is set to bring relief to villagers in the area.
Before commissioning of the new facility, the communities of Silawa, Msetshane, Ndabankulu and Zwehamba had been walking for up to 30km to access health services at Homestead Clinic.
Ndabankulu Clinic was constructed by World Vision (Switzerland) in partnership with the local authority, Ward 4 villagers and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
In his speech during the commissioning, Matabeleland South Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Abednico Ncube, said World Vision and the local authority worked tirelessly to ensure that the project comes to completion.
“The dream has come to its fullest culmination after years of hard work, determination, perseverance and focus on achieving this noble goal. It has taken the toll of substantial investments in terms of resources from the community.
“We would like to commend the local authority and World Vision for making sure that this project becomes a success,” said Minister Ncube.
He said the clinic was pegged in the 1990s and a borehole was drilled on the proposed site, fencing and a foundation was also done but no construction work was done at that time due to various challenges.
The minister said in 2016 four communities surrounding the ward contributed resources and labour to complete the construction of the clinic.
“It was in 2016 when the community formed a committee to spearhead the construction of the clinic. Members were drawn from four villages namely; Silawa, Msetshane, Ndabankulu and Zwehamba in Ward 4. Communities managed to contribute locally-available resources such as river sand, pit sand and labour,” he said.
The Matobo Rural District Council’s chief executive officer, Mr Elvis Sibanda said the clinic was built by the World Vision Switzerland in partnership with council, community members as well as the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“World Vision Switzerland built the superstructure, two staff houses and purchased furniture for the clinic. The Ministry of Health and Child care provided a solar system and bought a fridge. Council provided a tractor which was used to ferry building materials while the community members provided labour,” he said.
He said the total cost for the project was US$250 000. Mr Sibanda said the project is a clear response to the National Development Strategy 1 which emphasises that no one should be left behind. He hailed World Vision, community members, the Diaspora, miners and the Ministry of Health and Child Care for assisting in the building of the clinic.
Earlier this year, the district commissioned another facility, Silozwi Clinic, in Ward 16 with World Vision (Switzerland) working in partnership with the local authority and the community. Close by in the same ward, Ratanyane Clinic is being constructed. – @TichaKarubwa
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