dyton mupawaenda
Victor Maphosa Mash East Bureau
Travelling long distances to seek healthcare services will soon be history for the Chisambiro community in Mutoko following the construction of a clinic in Ward 18.
Construction of the clinic is being done using devolution funds, as the Government works towards bringing critical services closer to the people.
Presently, villagers are walking for more than 25km to the next clinic.
The clinic will also have a maternity ward.
Beds and other equipment are already there while water and electricity have since been connected.
One staff house is complete, while the second is over 80 percent complete.
Recently, officials from Mutoko RDC visited the construction site to see progress on the second staff house and to engage the community ahead of the clinic’s commissioning, which is expected soon.
Mutoko RDC chief executive officer Mr Birriati Tasarira commended Government for availing devolution funds used to construct the clinic as well as staff houses.
“This is now the only clinic in Ward 18, after the delimitation exercise,” he said.
“The clinic is equipped and we expect to commission it by year-end so that the community can be served. As we speak, we are through with the clinic structure and we are almost through with the construction of another staff house.
“We highly commend the Second Republic, which is walking its talk in terms of availing resources through devolution funds. Construction of this clinic was started by the community long back and there was no progress and the coming in of devolution saw this clinic being completed.”
Mr Tasarira said once opened, the community will no longer walk long distances in search of a health facility.
He said electrification and plumbing work on the clinic and staff house was complete.
Some villagers thanked the Government for bringing a health facility closer to them.
“We are happy that construction of this clinic is complete. We are now appealing to our Government to speed up the opening of this clinic so that we can be served nearby,” said Gogo Nyamasoka.
“This area is very hot and walking for a long distance in this heat to the next clinic is a burden to all of us. Some of us would reach the nearest clinic in a worse state because of the heat, coupled with the sickness.
“So my appeal is for Government to ensure this clinic is opened as soon as possible. We are thankful to the Second Republic for this development.”
Another villager Mr Mike Chisambiro saluted the community for working together with the council to ensure construction of the clinic was completed.
“The opening of this clinic will bring massive joy to the community because people are enduring long distances to the nearest clinic.
“People are already excited. Already, the clinic is equipped and we are now appealing to authorities to bring in at least two nurses who will assist the community as we wait for its official opening.
“I want to commend this community for providing labour during the construction process. Let me also thank our Government for availing the funds, which ensured the clinic was constructed speedily.
“To Mutoko RDC, thank you for channelling devolution funds towards construction of this important facility.
“The clinic will go a long way in saving lives across the ward,” said Mr Chisambiro.
Mrs Plaxedes Tichawangana said the community cannot thank President Mnangagwa enough for introducing devolution funds to develop communities.
“This clinic is already complete as you can see. Already some material and equipment needed to run the clinic have been brought in and we are optimistic that any day from now, the clinic will be opened.
“Thank you Second Republic and also thumbs up to Mutoko RDC for working tirelessly to ensure construction of this clinic is prioritised,” said Mrs Tichawangana.
Online Reporter