Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
PROMINENT Johane Masowe YeChishanu leader Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha has given villagers in Makurumure, Hwedza, a reason to smile after building a clinic for them.
Madzibaba Simba knows the challenges Makurumure villagers face in accessing medical facilities and services on a daily basis as he was born and grew up in the same village.
He once faced, first-hand, the grim reality of life in this village after injuring his head while herding cattle as a ten-year-old.
His parents had to carry him on their backs to reach the nearest St Anne’s Goto Clinic, which is 12kms away.
The construction of Madzimbabwe Medical Centre, a few years ago, meant Makurumure villagers still needed to travel for about 10kms to access it.
However, all their challenges have come to an end with Madzibaba Simba pooling resources to build the clinic, which also has a mother’s shelter.
Final touches are being put on the structures with Madzibaba Simba revealing he will hand over the institution to the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare when it’s complete.
Members of the community provided the local resources, including bricks, sand and water while those with building expertise have been chipping in.
Speaking at the site, Madzibaba Simba said:
“I am definitely thrilled by the scope of work that we are undertaking right in the midst of this village. I tell you, I almost died when I was pierced by a tree stump after accidentally falling on it, head-first, while herding cattle.
“The nearest medical facility was at Goto BC and we had no other means of transport to go there so my parents had to take turns to carry me on their backs.
“I was bleeding profusely and that was almost my end. Due to the delay in accessing medical assistance and due to the punishing distance, I developed complications and it took over five years for me to fully heal.
“That is exactly what drove me into constructing this clinic. I know the challenges the villagers face on a daily basis. I am happy they have been volunteering their services because they know the clinic is theirs.
“I would like to thank the Government and MP for Hwedza South Constituency, Hon. Tino Machakaire, for giving me the permission to construct this clinic. I would like to also thank my church congregants for putting their hands on this project.”
Diana Muza, a villager said: “We are very happy to see a development like this taking place in our area. Just last December, we almost lost one of our villagers who was bitten by a snake while weeding her field.
“She was a bit lucky because it was a festive holiday and there was someone with a car nearby who quickly rushed her to Goto clinic for quick management.
“We have lost a number of young mothers due to pregnancy complications as they failed to get swift medical assistance. We are sure this development will address all that.”
