Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
IN the heart of Beitbridge, where the sun casts long shadows over bustling neighbourhoods, a new clinic stands as a beacon of hope for many.
Dumba Clinic, established under the Government’s devolution initiative, has transformed the healthcare landscape for the community, filling a void that had persisted for far too long.
Before the advent of devolution funds, local authorities in Beitbridge faced immense difficulties in fulfilling their mandates.
Struggling under financial constraints, they were unable to meet the basic needs of their growing population. However, since the introduction of the devolution concept, there has been a remarkable turnaround in service delivery.
The town, with an estimated population of 100 000, faced a severe shortage of medical services. Residents often travelled long distances to access basic healthcare, facing barriers that included poor transport and overcrowded facilities.
The existing clinics, like those in Mazunga and Novhe, were overwhelmed, with long queues becoming a daily norm for patients seeking treatment.
The arrival of the Dumba Clinic marked a turning point. Officially opened just months ago, the clinic has quickly become a vital resource for the community, offering a range of services from maternal health to general medical consultations. For many, it is not just a healthcare facility; it is a lifeline.
Mr Loud Ramakgapola, the Town Clerk of Beitbridge, highlights the transformative impact of these funds.
“We have successfully launched several capital projects that directly address the needs of our community,” he states.
The local authorities have made substantial investments in infrastructure over the past five years, leading to tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
Among the notable accomplishments is the construction of a new primary school, Makhado, in the Khwalu 2 suburb. This facility is set to open its doors to students soon, alleviating the pressing issue of overcrowded classrooms. Additionally, the council has procured a refuse compactor truck and modern earth-moving equipment, significantly enhancing waste management and road maintenance capabilities.
Mr Ramakgapola also points to the construction of five two-roomed houses aimed at tackling the colonial legacy of overcrowding in the Dulivhadzimu suburbs.
“We are targeting to build a total of 28 new two-roomed houses to further address housing shortages,” he adds.
The investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed the council’s operational efficiency, enabling better service delivery. Furthermore, the procurement of new service vehicles has improved mobility for council staff, allowing for more effective monitoring of projects and rapid response to community needs.
The local authorities are not just focusing on education and housing; healthcare is also a priority.
Mr Ramakgapola mentioned the ongoing construction of a new clinic in the northern part of town, which is essential for serving the burgeoning suburban population.
“We expect to complete this project as soon as we receive additional funds from the Central Government,” he noted.
Public safety is another critical area of focus. Mr Ramakgapola aims to improve lighting in the western suburbs to reduce crime rates, particularly incidents of muggings and robberies.
“As we appreciate the devolution programme, we intend to use more funds to build more schools and enhance safety measures,” he adds.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Beitbridge has an estimated population of 100 000, yet the town is short of four primary schools and two secondary schools.
Ideally, the council should have a primary school for every 5 000 residents and a secondary school supported by three feeder primary schools. Currently, Beitbridge operates with just three secondary and six official primary schools, leaving many students without adequate educational facilities.
Mr Peter Ncube, the acting chief executive officer of Beitbridge RDC, reflects on the positive changes since 2019.
“When the Second Republic began consistently releasing funds, we saw a marked improvement in our ability to meet service delivery obligations,” he explained.
Among the key projects completed are a new primary school in the Novhe area and a clinic in Dumba.
The council has also responded effectively to climate-related disasters, restoring services and constructing new classroom blocks where necessary.
Mr Ncube emphasises the importance of building bridges to enhance connectivity within the community.
“In some areas, residents are cut off during the rainy season due to broken bridges,” he noted. The council has procured a service vehicle to monitor projects and respond promptly to disasters.
Looking ahead, the council plans to leverage devolution funds for further infrastructural development.
This includes enhancing maternal health services at clinics and improving the road network to ensure that all residents have access to essential facilities.
The transformative impact of devolution funds in Beitbridge is evident in the community’s renewed hope and progress.
As local authorities continue to address the needs of their residents, the vision for a well-connected, thriving Beitbridge is becoming increasingly tangible. The commitment to improving education, healthcare, and safety underscores a strong foundation for future growth, ensuring that the community can flourish in the years to come.
