Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
VILLAGERS in Beitbridge District are pooling resources to construct vital infrastructure, including clinics, schools, and other public amenities. The initiative, led by local leaders and ordinary residents, is transforming the district’s landscape and addressing long-standing service delivery gaps.
Across the 15 wards of the Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC), communities are rising to the occasion —donating materials, labour and expertise to construct new buildings, renovate existing ones and improve public spaces.
Beitbridge RDC is also providing technical support and funding where resources permit.
Among the standout projects is the construction of Whunga, Malibeng, Ndambe and Tshipise clinics, which are expected to significantly reduce the distance villagers must travel to access healthcare.
In a presentation delivered on his behalf by the local authority’s engineer, Latani Singo, during a recent stakeholder engagement, Beitbridge RDC’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Ncube, said community-driven initiatives are helping to bridge service delivery gaps.
“There are numerous community-initiated projects within the district that the local authority supports, including the construction of clinics such as Whunga, Malibeng, Ndambe and Tshipise.
“We are also partnering with community members to construct classroom blocks at secondary schools such as Tshabili, Langeni, Makombe, Limpopo and Dite Lukange, as well as early childhood development (ECD) centres in selected areas to reduce the distance children travel to access education,” said Mr Ncube.
Other ongoing projects include the rehabilitation of Mtetengwe Primary School and the establishment of a computer laboratory, supported by Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
Mr Ncube noted that Tshabili Secondary School was built with the support of local villagers, with World Vision providing financial assistance.
In some cases, partnerships with development organisations have accelerated progress.
For example, World Vision supported the community-led construction of Tshabili Secondary School, while the Air Force of Zimbabwe is collaborating with locals and Beitbridge RDC on the Malibeng Clinic project.
Mr Ncube added that through funding models such as devolution funds and Constituency Development Funds (CDF), the local authority is working to increase the availability of schools, clinics and other essential services.
With support from the CDF, the council is constructing a classroom block at Kayanse Primary School in Ward 13 resettlement areas, a mother’s shelter at Mtetengwe Clinic in Ward 7, and a classroom block at Mthangamutshena Secondary School.
Health and sanitation are also a priority. The district has benefitted from the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, which has seen 55 boreholes drilled, with ongoing solar equipping to power water pumps. These boreholes support not only household water needs but also community nutritional gardens.
“We look forward to continued funding for these projects. At the same time, we continue to promote and implement various water and sanitation health projects in our communities,” said Mr Ncube.
He added that other partners, including World Vision, International Medical Corps (IMC) and the Red Cross, are also providing valuable support.
