Chronicle Editor
Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
THE Second Republic’s inclusive developmental philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind has taken root in Insiza district, Matabeleland South province, where devolution funds have been deployed to develop the health sector and ease the distance travelled by villagers to the nearest clinics.
The funds have helped communities in Insiza and other parts of the country in improving accessibility to health, particularly in rural areas where a majority of citizens often walk long distances to get treatment.
Insiza Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shephard Tshuma said the devolution funds have been a blessing to communities in Insiza district as more had been done to improve healthcare services particularly in Insiza North.
“The construction of health facilities is aimed at reducing the distances travelled by villagers to the nearest health facility from more than 10km to at least 5km. This will help elderly people who can no longer walk long distances to access health services faster. We also want to ensure that one health facility caters for 5 000 to 8 000 people. Actually, one health facility per ward will be more convenient and acceptable,” he said.
Mr Tshuma said they have already made improvements on various healthcare facilities as they have renovated clinics and equipped a number of clinics.
“In a bid to improve health service delivery, we used the funds to re-thatch Kombo Clinic to save it from leaking, we redecorated Singwango Clinic and also equipped Montrose and Mbondo clinics with beds, benches, sluice hoppers and linen. All this was done to ensure that communities in the district experience the best comfort when they visit healthcare facilities,” he said.
He acknowledged the assistance that they have been getting from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga saying she had been consistent in giving back to the Insiza community.
“Courtesy of the Vice President’s wife who comes from the area, we managed to use part of her donations to replace Singwango Clinic’s ceiling. This was a great move from her and it showed that she is determined to positively change the state of her home village. Insiza North MP, Mr Farai Taruvinga is also channelling the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to the construction of other clinics in the district. This will also come in handy in improving health facilities in the district. It pleases us to see the people working together to develop communities,” he added.
Mr Tshuma said despite the great work being done, they still have some gaps that needed to be filled.
“We do not have lighting in other clinics due to late replacement of transformers while prepaid meters for electricity are inappropriate for health facilities. There is also shortage of medication in some clinics and this causes a strain to patients who would be in urgent need of assistance.
“We hope for improved salaries for the health staff so that they are motivated and do not resort to go slows. Some of our health staff are moving abroad due to these reasons and we will end up having no staff in our clinics. If the Government could improve their salaries, I am sure they will deliver their services wholeheartedly,” he said.
Mr Tshuma said this year the district was planning to finish off all incomplete projects before embarking on new ones with the aim of ensuring healthcare facilities for the district flourishes.
“In 2024, we want to complete all outstanding projects. We have Denje Clinic that has to be constructed and equipped. We also want to finish outstanding construction work at Montrose Clinic. All of this will be met and we aim at working closely with the MP on two clinics. By working together, the health system of Insiza North will develop,” noted Mr Tshuma.
He added that devolution funds were assisting local authorities in fulfilling their obligation of ensuring improved access to social amenities across the country through development of key infrastructure.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter