Chirumhanzu District commissions new clinic

CHIRUMHANZU District in the Midlands province is one of the areas that absorbed resettled farmers under the Government’s land reform programme, which left a gap for social amenities such as clinics, schools and a proper road network.

Following the implementation of the devolution policy by the Second Republic, there has been an accelerated growth in communities such as Chirumhanzu.

Using devolution funds, the Chirumhanzu Rural District Council has been working on improving service delivery and upgrading infrastructure.

The Second Republic is scaling up development across the country and the thrust is consistent with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.

Devolution funds are assisting local authorities to fulfil their obligation of ensuring improved access to social amenities such as clinics and schools.

Upgrading infrastructure is in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

To date Chirumhanzu RDC has completed the construction of the Whata Clinic in Ward 18, Chapwanya Clinic (Ward 25), Musena Clinic (Ward 19) and Mudzengi Clinic (Ward 16). Yesterday, Chimbindi Clinic in Ward 19, the latest addition, was commissioned by the Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Larry Mavima.

The state-of-art clinic comprising a maternity ward, male and female wards, an opportunistic infections (OI) clinic as well as staff quarters, was built using devolution funds.

The scope of works at the new clinic included painting, tiling, plumbing works, glazing, door replacement and borehole drilling.

Prior to the latest development, people were walking about 20 km to the nearest clinic.

“I am very happy now that we have a health facility at our doorstep. We used to travel more than 17 km to clinics such as Hama. Now, we have a clinic which is a stone’s throw away and thanks to the Second Republic,” said Mrs Martha Nyoni.

Another villager, Mr Tinei Chakanyuka, said they are happy to be enjoying the benefits of the Government’s devolution programme.

Minister Mavima said the Second Republic will continue implementing life-changing projects in marginalised communities in line with the devolution policy.

“I am happy that we are gathered here for the commissioning of Chimbindi Rural Health Centre. In 2021 we were in this district commissioning Hwata Clinic. The Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa is spearheading development programmes across the country,” he said.

Minister Mavima said through devolution, Chirumanzu RDC has been allocated $222 million from 2019.

“Some of the projects that were funded through devolution funds include the construction of Hwata Clinic (Ward 6), Chapwanya Clinic (Ward 25), Musena Clinic (Ward 19) and Mudzengi Clinic (Ward 16),” he said.

Earlier, Minister Mavima commissioned a Tipper truck and a drilling rig which were bought using devolution funds.

He said the RDC has also constructed a classroom block at Hillview Primary School and at Faerdan Primary School as well as repaired a classroom block at Chengwena Secondary School.

Following the opening of Chimbindi Clinic, the district now boasts of 22 clinics.

The new clinic serves more than 1 500 people.