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Victor Maphosa
Mash East Bureau
Yet another new clinic, Mpatsi Clinic, built using devolution funds, was opened recently in Ward 24 of Chikomba District as the Government remains committed to quality healthcare through construction and equipping of health institutions across the country, leaving no one and no place behind.
Since the Second Republic implemented the Constitutional requirement of budgeting and assigning funds for devolution, rural district councils, almost all of which have Zanu PF majorities, have been using the funds to expand their clinics network and expand, or open council schools.
Government steps in directly to equip the new clinics.
Commissioning the clinic on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr John Mangwiro noted that the clinic brought health services into the Mpatsi community where people had to travel an average of 25km to 30km.
Close to a decade ago, Mpatsi residents came up with the idea of constructing this clinic, but due to limited resources, progress was too slow, and the project was almost aborted.
When the Second Republic came in, and President Mnangagwa introduced a development trajectory, supported by the mantra leaving no one and no place behind, the devolution concept took off and the Government ensured funds are availed to all local authorities for development.
After receiving their allocation, Chikomba RDC then did not hesitate to channel some of the funds to complete the Mpatsi Clinic, build a mothers’ shelter and build staff housing.
A solar powered borehole has already been installed to supply the clinic with uninterrupted potable water. A rural clinic almost always requires more infrastructure than an urban one.
Commissioning the clinic, Dr Mangwiro said a healthy people was a rich people.
“Being healthy is being rich. This clinic has been made possible by the Second Republic who are prioritising easy access to health for all, closer to the people. The official opening of this clinic eases the challenge of travelling long distances on the part of Mpatsi community whose average distance travelled was 25 to 30 km to the nearest health centre,” he said.
“This is no doubt that we are in line with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and ultimately Vision 2030. Among the objectives of devolution is to provide recognition of the right of communities to manage their affairs and to further their development, to encourage and ensure the equitable sharing of local and natural resources. This is clearly a testimony of the tenets of devolution as outlined above.
“For this clinic, we have brought all the required medicines and equipment which include beds for all wards. We are also going to make sure you have a medical doctor here as soon as possible, as well as several machines to equip the facility.”
Speaking at the same event, Chikomba Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Bullen Chiwara said they would always prioritise quality service delivery to the people across the district.
Mr Chiwara thanked the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa for availing devolution funds which were then channelled towards completion of the clinic.
“Construction of this clinic started in 2014 where residents came together with resources, in a bid to cut the distance they walked to the next clinic,” he said. “Construction was moving slowly, however, the coming in of the Second Republic took the burden off the parents’ shoulders and availed devolution funds which then were used to complete this clinic we are commissioning today.
“We worked closely with the residents and quickened completion of this clinic. So, I want to commend the Mpatsi residents for the assistance and unity which has brought this project where it is today. We also thank President Mnangagwa for devolution funds which are quickening development across our district.”
Beneficiaries of Mpatsi clinic commended the Second Republic for ensuring that health services were accessed by many and near their homes.
“We thank the Government and all its departments who worked hard to ensure this clinic is complete. We have been walking for long distances to the next clinic for this service. Now we are going to be served closer to our homes and we thank the Government for this,” said Mr Tonderai Muboora, one of the Mpatsi residents said.
Mrs Mutsvangu said even expecting mothers will not have to travel for long distances, all the way to Sadza Growth point or Hwedza to be assisted.
“We are happy because we have a clinic nearby. This will save us in a big manner. Imagine a pregnant woman walking for a long distance to be assisted. We had a big challenge on that but look today, our Government heard our concerns and built a clinic for us,” she said.
“We will no longer have to walk to Sadza Growth Point, it was too far for us. Thank you our Government and as women, we are happy.”
Mrs Mudavanhu weighed in saying women were the most affected when health services were not accessed nearby.
She said the Government addressed their concerns, a gesture which she said deserved to be rewarded by ensuring the man at the helm, President Mnangagwa, is voted in for another term in office on August 23.
Online Reporter