Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
THE Makandwa community in Chimanimani West Constituency has joined forces with their local leadership to construct a long-awaited health facility, Makandwa Clinic.
The collaborative effort brings hope and improved healthcare access to an area that has been without a clinic since 1980.
The initiative, led by the local Parliamentarian, Honourable Wilson Maposa, is already underway, with over 80 000 bricks moulded and construction groundwork completed through local contributions.
Honourable Maposa said the site was approved by Chimanimani Rural District Council, foundation dug, and momentum is now shifting to the construction of the super structure.
“This partnership demonstrates that when Government policy meets community determination, the results are transformative. This is precisely what Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (NDS1) aim to achieve – empowering communities to participate in their own development and making health service delivery accessible and equitable to all Zimbabweans,” he said, adding that health is a key pillar in NDS1, and the clinic project exemplifies this commitment.
Constituency Development Fund (CDF) will be utilised to complete the project, including roofing, painting, interior works, and constructing staff houses.
“The community has spoken loud and clear – they are tired of travelling long distances to access medical help. With their unity and Government support, we will ensure that Makandwa Clinic becomes a reality,” said Honourable Maposa.
Honourable Maposa explained that his partnership with community members in Ward 19 was driven by the need to address the longstanding challenge of limited access to healthcare facilities.
For years, villagers had to endure exhausting and often perilous journeys of over 13km to Changazi Clinic or 17km to Chikwakwa Clinic.
“Government plays a vital role in infrastructure development, but partnerships with communities and local councils are equally essential for achieving Vision 2030 targets. We are building Zimbabwe together, stone by stone, clinic by clinic.
“Our goal is to leave no one behind, embodying the spirit of devolution and inclusive development,” he said.
As Zimbabwe strives towards universal healthcare, Honourable Maposa assured that Chimanimani West Constituency will not be left behind.
Mhandarume Clinic, another health facility in the constituency commissioned three years ago, has significantly improved healthcare delivery in the area.
“Mhandarume Clinic has greatly reduced the burden of travelling long distances. Previously, people had to walk 15km to Mutambara Mission Hospital or Nedziwa Clinic. Now, they receive care closer home,” he said.
Honourable Maposa said Mhandarume Clinic also supports Government’s Home-Grown School Feeding Programme by serving as a monitoring point for nutritional health among local children.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with villagers expressing deep gratitude for the convenience and accessibility the clinic has brought, particularly in an area prone to malaria and in constant need of prompt medical attention.
Elderly villagers from Mhandarume Village who were interviewed echoed similar sentiments.
“We used to rest three or four times before reaching Mutambara Mission Hospital because we did not have any money to cater for the transport costs. Now we are being treated near our homes. We are so grateful to Government for this clinic,” said Mrs Lucia Gonzoni.
For young mothers, the clinic has brought immense relief.
“When I was pregnant with my first child, I had to walk for hours to get check-ups. Now, with this clinic, I am getting regular visits and immunisations for my new born,” said Mrs Abigail Chizemo.
