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Conrad Mupesa–Mashonaland West Bureau
Gandawasvika Clinic, converted from a farm house to a decent healthcare facility using devolution funds, has now opened its doors to the public and will serve about 10 000 people living in Makonde Rural District Council.
Construction work started last year, with Ward 13 villagers, who are the biggest beneficiaries, providing labour, bricks and sand.
About 7 000 families from Ward 13 and 3 000 families neighbouring Ward 4 will form the bulk of the patients for Gandawasvika Clinic.
Makonde RDC chief executive Mr Paradzayi Munyede said although the clinic was not yet officially opened, it had started offering services.
“We have since deployed a registered nurse to the facility where there are other staff members. We hope by the time it is going to be commissioned, it will be fully fledged in terms of staff and equipment,” he said.
At least five nurses, a nurse-aid, a general hand and an environmental health technician should form the staff at the new clinic, so staff accommodation has also been spruced up in preparation for occupation.
The transformation of Gandawasvika Clinic was achieved at a cost of $521 000 from the council’s 2021 devolution funds.
Makonde RDC ploughed in some of its internally generated funds to ensure the smooth completion of the construction.
Another clinic, Mtapa in Ward 11, is also to be opened soon.
Said Mr Munyede: “We are putting final touches to Mpata Clinic in Ward 11, where people have been walking for 20km to access health care services.
“Opening of the facility is scheduled anytime but before the year ends.”
The two clinics were initially expected to be operational by October the last year, but work was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, among other factors.
The clinics bring the total of clinics in the district to 41.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Mary Mliswa-Chikoka toured Gandawasvika last year during the initial stages of construction and applauded the community for supporting the project.
“I am happy that you (community) are working together with your council so that there are enough health care facilities in your Ward. Other communities should emulate this so that the President’s Vision 2030 is achieved.
“I am told the clinic will service at least 7 000 families and this is going to be possible through the unity that you have displayed here. This is what the President is always saying,” she said then.
Communities are being challenged to have their local visions that feed into Vision 2030.
Makonde RDC deputy chairperson and Ward 13 councillor, Cde Martha Paul-Mapfumo, said the healthcare facility was going to address challenges faced by the farming community.
Village Development Committee and Gandawasvika Clinic chairperson Mr Matsika said the area did not have healthcare facilities since 2000, forcing them to walk long distances.
Mhangura legislator Cde Precious Chinhamo-Masango, provided a water tank that has since been mounted at the facility, together with other building materials.
Online Reporter