Beitbridge RDC in drive to build more clinics

BEITBRIDGE Rural District Council has embarked on a massive project to construct more clinics in the district to improve health services.

Through partnerships with development agencies and members of the community, the local authority is on the verge of completing the construction of Dumba, Mazunga, and Whunga clinics.

More resources are also being pooled towards building more clinics in resettlement areas in Ward 13 and Ward 14.

The council’s chief executive officer, Mr Peter Moyo said they are utilising devolution funds, resources from the community, and development agencies to fund the projects.

He said the clinics were at different stages of construction in various strategic sites.

According to the 2022 national census, Beitbridge district has an estimated population of 250 000 with two-thirds residing in rural areas. The population relies on one district referral hospital and 16 clinics.

“We have identified primary health care as one of the major services in our area and hence we are building more clinics in areas with shortages. So far, we are working with the community members and supported by Government and other development agencies,” said Mr Moyo.

“We are building Dumba clinic in Ward 2, Mazunga in Ward 14, and Whunga in Ward 10. In addition to that, we have pegged another site at Tshipise in Ward 1.”

Mr Moyo said community members were providing material resources and labour while the council offered technical support.

“In Whunga, the main superstructure is at roof level and this clinic will save part of the Beitbridge West, Gwanda Tshitaudze, and Gwanda South areas. We have had good support from everyone at Whunga including the army which provided builders,” he said.

“At Mazunga, which will service motorists along the Beitbridge to Bulawayo road and the resettlement areas under ward 14, we converted an old farmhouse. We are now putting final touches pending final inspections by the Ministry of Health and Child Care”.

Mr Moyo said they are expecting to open the Mazunga and Dumba Clinics to the public in the first quarter of the year.

He said devolution funds, the CDF, and community involvement had helped them change the state of healthcare facilities in Beitbridge District.

“At Dumba, we are now working on the final touches in terms of the incinerator and septic tanks. We have made good progress, and we hope that should we get more devolution and CDF funds we can speed up the construction of the clinics,” said Mr Moyo.

“Ideally, we require eight more clinics for us to have a total coverage of health facilities under our area of jurisdiction. These should have the main building, portable water, incinerator, four standard staff houses and solar or be connected to the national grid.”

Mr Moyo said in some areas, people were forced to walk about 50km to access healthcare in the nearest clinic

Chief Sitauze said: “The situation is also worrisome in the rural areas where people are forced to walk long distances to access healthcare. The community is willing to work with the Government and its partners in terms of the provision of quality health services.”