adminTalent Simbi Post Correspondent
AN MDC-T councillor in Nyanga’s Mapako area has come under fire from the community for failing to facilitate the building of a clinic in the area.
Ward 18 Councillor Paul Matendawafa was said to have stalled the construction of the clinic which was expected to have commenced early this year.
Nyanga South legislator Cde Supa Mandiwanzira had no kind words for the councillor whom he said was anti-development and his actions were driven by malice.
He said construction of the clinic should continue even without Clr Matendawafa’s blessings.
Speaking at a speech and prize-giving day at Mapako High School last Friday, Cde Mandiwanzira said: “Our next priority is to have a clinic in the area. We will work with those who are for the project and leave those who are opposing development alone.”
He added that developmental projects remain in the assertive Government economic blueprint Zim-Asset and warned the councillor that nothing could stop it.
“The councillor should be reminded that his powers do not override those of Members of Parliament or the council chairperson. We cannot allow individuals to derail the construction of this clinic as a way of gaining cheap political mileage.
“I am not doing this as a publicity stunt because I made my name long back as a journalist. We want projects that benefit the community to be supported,” said Cde Mandiwanzira.
The clinic project should have commenced last year, but was being stalled by Clr Matendawafa’s cheap politicking.
Villagers had since availed bricks, quarry, river sand and pit sand for the project. A total of six volunteer builders and Zanu-PF youths are ready to begin work.
“Construction of the clinic is long overdue. We remain hopeful that one day construction will start,” said Mr Isaac Chingwaru.
People were reportedly dying on their way to distant clinics. The nearest clinics are Nyatate and Ruchera which are seven and 20km away respectively.
Ward 18 is the only one out of 30 wards without a clinic.
When approached for comment, Clr Matendawafa confirmed that he had not given the project his blessings as he was being sidelined by Zanu-PF members.
“Yes, I did not bless the construction of the clinic because Zanu-PF people are always sidelining me on this issue. I am not being invited to meetings to deliberate on this issue,” he said.
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