Chronicle Editor
Vusumuzi Dube, Acting News Editor
THE completion of Ganye Clinic in Gokwe South has brought relief to more than 14 000 villagers that had to walk long distances to access health care.
The clinic which was completed through cash injection from the devolution funds becomes one of the flagship projects in the Midlands Province implemented under the devolution programme.
Speaking at the commissioning of the clinic Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube revealed that construction of Ganye Clinic commenced in 2013, with Gokwe RDC facing challenges in raising adequate fund for the timely completion of the clinic.
“With the inception of the Second Republic, devolution was operationalised as provided for in section 301 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. $167 million was disbursed by the Central Government towards the completion of the clinic comprising an outpatient treatment area, male and female wards, a fully equipped maternity ward, drugs rooms and a dispensary all under one roof.
“This remarkable achievement is testimony of the progress made in a short space of time under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, in transforming our health service delivery and promoting equitable development that leaves no one and no place behind,” said Minister Ncube.
He said the clinic will serve communities from four wards and seven villages, with more than 14 000 people benefiting, this reducing the distance, cost and congestion to get medical assistance from Gokwe South District Hospital.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has prioritised the improvement of health services delivery as one of its key objectives. This is in line with the National Development Strategy 1 which serves as our roadmap for achieving sustainable development across all sectors.
“The commissioning of Ganye Clinic is a step in the right direction towards achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that our communities have access to quality health care services. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, we have witnessed significant achievements in improved health infrastructure. The Second Republic has been working around the clock implementing comprehensive reforms for health delivery,” said Minister Ncube.
He further noted that the devolution funds must uplift the lives of marginalised communities in line with the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Several hospitals and clinics have been built with existing ones re-equipped and upgraded. These include the construction of Gweru Provincial Hospital Covid-19 wards, Kwekwe Infectious Disease Hospital, the construction of Medical Centre of Excellence and Mapfungautsi Clinic here in Gokwe South among others.
“I urge councillors to ensure prioritisation of the needs of our people, ensuring that every dollar is used in a manner that brings tangible and sustainable development to our communities,” said the minister.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter