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George Maponga in Masvingo
The Chivi Community Share Ownership Trust has transformed livelihoods of villagers in the arid district, with 23 boreholes drilled in the past seven months and 12 schools refurbished within the same period.
The Trust received US$300 000 from Murowa Diamond Mine and is among the seven launched by President Mugabe in February.
Part of the proceeds from the Trust were used to complete the construction of Madzivadondo Clinic which started in 1999, but was stalled due to lack of funds.
Speaking at the official opening of the clinic in Madyangove communal lands last week, Minister of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education and Vocational Training, Senator Josia Hungwe saluted the concept of community share ownership trusts for transforming the lives of the rural folk.
Minister Hungwe said the long-awaited completion and electrification of Madzivadondo Clinic would improve service delivery in the area.
The clinic, refurbished and electrified at US$30 000, is the brainchild of Minister Hungwe and its construction started when he was Governor and Resident Minister for Masvingo.
“Today is a great day for the people of Madyangove in particular and Chivi district in general because completion of Madyangove Clinic had remained a pipe dream over the last 12 years until we managed to finish the project thanks to proceeds from the community share trust,” he said.
“What makes the event even more special is the fact that the community share trust concept is the brainchild of Zanu-PF and President Mugabe and this shows that the revolutionary party and its leader are very particular when it comes to improving the living standards of our people, especially those in rural areas who have limited access to facilities such as hospitals and other critical services.’’
Minister Hungwe challenged eminent people from the district to identify and fund projects that transform people’s lives.
Chivi district administrator Mr Bernard Hadzirabwi applauded the completion of the clinic which is going to benefit 5 000 families from Madyangove, Chidyamakono and Mudadisi areas in Chivi North.
The clinic has waiting rooms for pregnant mothers, a maternity ward and HIV and Aids Voluntary Testing and Counselling services.
Mr Hadzirabwi said villagers walked 12km to Mhandamabwe Clinic to access medical services and the completion of Madzivadondo Clinic would be of great service to them. He said 23 boreholes were sunk across Chivi using resources from the Trust, easing crippling water woes in one of Masvingo’s driest areas.
Proceeds from the Trust were also used to buy furniture for six primary and secondary schools, while another six schools were repainted.
Online Reporter