Govt commissions US$250 000 clinic

THE Government has commissioned the US$250,000 Kennebec Clinic in Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province, bringing essential healthcare services closer to more than 8,000 villagers.

The newly built clinic includes staff accommodation powered by solar energy, piped water and facilities for healthcare personnel, including nurses and a pharmacist.

Officially commissioning the clinic on Monday, the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, described the project as a major milestone in expanding access to quality healthcare in the province.

“The opening of Kennebec Clinic is a landmark achievement for the people of Umguza District and indeed for Matabeleland North Province.

“Today we celebrate another promise fulfilled by the Second Republic as we continue to improve the lives of our people through inclusive and people-centred development,” he said.

“The opening of this clinic demonstrates that Government is delivering on its commitment to ensure that every Zimbabwean, regardless of where they live, has access to quality public services.”

Minister Moyo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Umguza, said the Government remained committed to strengthening social service delivery through strategic investments in healthcare, education, water, roads and other key sectors.

He said the completion of the clinic was the result of a collaborative effort involving Government, the Umguza Rural District Council and the local community.

“The story of Kennebec Clinic is one of partnership. Government provided the enabling environment, Umguza Rural District Council mobilised resources and the local community embraced the project with commitment and determination.

“This is precisely the development model that will drive Zimbabwe towards the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.

Minister Moyo described healthcare as a cornerstone of sustainable development, saying improved access to medical services would have a lasting impact on the wellbeing of communities.

“Without a healthy population, there can be no meaningful economic growth, no productive communities and no prosperous nation. This clinic therefore represents an investment in human capital.

“It means expectant mothers will receive quality maternal healthcare closer to home. Children will have improved access to immunisation and primary healthcare services.

“The elderly and those living with chronic illnesses will no longer have to travel long distances to seek medical attention,” he said.

The clinic is expected to serve a catchment population of more than 8,000 people, significantly reducing travel times for residents seeking primary healthcare services.

Minister Moyo urged the community to protect the new facility and support the healthcare workers who will be stationed there.

“I urge the community to safeguard this facility against vandalism, maintain a clean environment and support the dedicated healthcare workers who will serve here. This clinic belongs to you. Protect it,” he said.

Umguza Rural District Council chairperson Councillor Sisa Moyo said the local authority had made significant progress in expanding healthcare infrastructure across the district.

He said Kennebec Clinic was the third clinic constructed by the council in recent years, following the completion of Bhekeni and Bhumane clinics.

“As a council, we have a strategy to build a clinic in every ward. We started by constructing Bhekeni Clinic, then Bhumane Clinic, and now we have completed Kennebec Clinic.

“Next, we will move to Heany Junction, Mfanyana, Nesbitt and Redbank to ensure our people no longer travel long distances to access primary healthcare,” said Cllr Moyo.

“The opening of this clinic reflects our collective commitment to improving the wellbeing of our communities by bringing quality healthcare closer to their doorsteps.”