Vusumuzi Dube
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC), in partnership with community development groups and private stakeholders, has embarked on an infrastructure development programme that is reshaping rural service delivery through the construction of infant schools, clinics and public facilities across the district.
Driven by a spirit of community ownership and collaboration, the initiative has become a model for participatory development in the country’s southernmost district — addressing long-standing gaps in access to education, healthcare and other essential services.
Beitbridge RDC’s head of technical services, Engineer Latani Singo, said during a 2026 budget consultation meeting that the council’s partnership with communities is helping to deliver results despite limited funding.
He said through a social contract with the community, Beitbridge RDC has been able to address key service delivery challenges.
Eng Singo said while funding remains tight, residents are stepping up by contributing materials, labour and expertise.
Eng Singo said the collaborative approach has enabled progress in early childhood development (ECD) and primary health care infrastructure, ensuring that children and families in remote areas have access to basic services closer to home.
Among the standout projects are the Ndambe Clinic (Phase 1), where the site plan has been completed a classroom block at Matshiloni Secondary School, supported by the Bubye Valley Conservancy and local community; and an ECD block at Chishala ECD Centre, where community members are moulding bricks and preparing the foundation.
At Makombe Secondary School, civil works have begun on a classroom block, while staff housing units are under construction at Lukange and Dite Secondary schools.
“We are also reroofing two classroom blocks at Jopembe Primary School — one already completed with support from Bubye Valley Conservancy and the community,” added Eng Singo.
Further progress has been recorded at Mtangamtshena Secondary, Novhe Primary, Tshamnangana Primary, Msane Secondary, Govha Primary and Langeni Primary Schools, where civil works are ongoing.
In the health sector, the roofing of Whunga Clinic in Ward 10 is underway after the local community pooled resources to build the facility, which will reduce walking distances to Zezani and other faraway clinics.
Eng Singo said the RDC is also constructing standard sale pens in Malibeng and Penemene, while significant progress has been made in housing stand servicing at Lutumba (Phase 3), where a solar-powered water pumping system has been installed. Environmental Impact Assessments are in progress at Tshaswingo to pave the way for further development.
He revealed that the RDC has rehabilitated and maintained 156km of its road network in the current financial year, improving connectivity between rural wards and service centres.
Partnerships with development organisations and State institutions have accelerated progress. World Vision supported the community-led construction of Tshabili Secondary School, while the Air Force of Zimbabwe, working with locals and the RDC, contributed to the Malibeng Clinic project.
Funding from the Devolution Fund and Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has also been instrumental in expanding infrastructure.
“Through the CDF, we are constructing a classroom block at Kayanse Primary School in Ward 13, a mother’s shelter at Mtetengwe Clinic in Ward 7 and a classroom block at Mthangamutshena Secondary School,” said Eng Singo.
Online Reporter