Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma in Zimnyama, Mangwe
THE local leadership in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South has called on villagers from Zimnyama to unite and show hard work in order to complete a clinic which was initially proposed in 1956.
The clinic, located at Zimnyama Village was initially proposed during the colonial era but even after independence in 1980, numerous efforts to construct the structure failed to materialise. Even the Zimbabwe National Army under its community projects also tried to provide builders but the project was abandoned due to failure to source building material.
However, in 2019 Bulilima West Member of Parliament Cde Dingumuzi Phuti whose constituency covers the area although it is in Mangwe District, initiated a campaign to fundraise for its construction which was well supported by the Diaspora community.
Mangwe Rural District Council also chipped in by providing more than $500 000 drawn from the Devolution Fund allocated by the Government. Last year in May the slab of the clinic was built by students from Avoca Vocational Training Centre.
Since then, the clinic’s building has been completed and awaits roofing while two cottages have also been constructed with the other one yet to be roofed. The third cottage is at slab level. A solar powered borehole has also been drilled.
Speaking at a strategic meeting to map the way forward yesterday, Cde Phuti called on villagers to unite in order to complete the infrastructure and improve their health care system.
“It is a worrying issue that a number of villagers are reportedly not taking part in the construction of an institution which will make it easy for everyone to access health care facilities. In that manner, I now implore you to work together and fulfil the duties that each villager is intended to do. This is for good of us,” said Cde Phuti.
Mangwe RDC chief executive officer Mr Bongani Ngwenya said the clinic is poised to foster development in the area.
“There are structures that need completion for the clinic to be fully equipped in a way that it will start to be operational.
“The clinic should have toilets constructed, a septic tank and an incinerator which all are yet to be constructed. As a clinic we have close to 400 bags of cement which are yet to be used and are here at the hall, a stone throw from the clinic, a sign that as villagers we should stand up and start working,” said Mr Ngwenya.
Ward 2 councillor, Benjamin Ndlovu also called on villagers to rally behind the initiative which will ease challenges of accessing health care facilities.-@mthabisi_mthire
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