adminVictor Maphosa recently in Mutoko
Communities here have appealed for assistance in cash or materials to complete the construction of three clinics in their area which will shorten the distance they walk to the nearest health service centre.
Some of the villagers are walking as far as 30km to Mutoko District Hospital at Mutoko Centre.
The completion of the three clinics — Gwaze in Mawanga Ward, Gurure and Bondamakara in Mutoko East — whose construction started many years ago but have been stalled due to lack of funds, will cut the distances considerably.
The construction of Gurure Clinic in Nyamutsami Ward, for instance, was started by a private organisation 15 years ago and although the buildings are complete, the opening of the clinic has been stalled by lack of equipment and other necessities.
Gwaze Clinic in Mawanga Ward is facing a similar predicament.
The community mobilised its own resources to build the clinic four years ago and up to now the lack of funds to furnish the clinic has delayed its opening.
Villagers in the ward appealed to the Government to intervene.
Their predicament is further compounded by the fact that they live in mountainous areas where it is difficult to access transport to and from the centre due to a poor road network.
Mrs Merenia Karimazondo told The Herald that the community was suffering due to the absence of health facilities.
“We are appealing to the Government and well-wishers to assist us with resources to finish this clinic.
“The pregnant at times are forced to give birth at home, the area is well-known for malaria and most people have died due to lack of medication.
“I nearly lost my child earlier this year due to malaria, and I had to carry him on my back for 30 kilometres to Mutoko Centre. Some have not been so lucky and have died along the way.”
She said they are usually charged US$20 to hire a vehicle to transport patients to Mutoko for medical attention, which is beyond their reach.
Mawanga Ward Councillor Chipo Shambare said villagers were suffering and there was need for urgent intervention.
“The community mobilised resources for the construction of this clinic, four years ago, to reduce the burden of walking the long distance to get medication. They have done a lot as you have seen, but officials from the Ministry of Health said it not enough, so we are appealing to well-wishers and the Government to help us with resources.”
She said there was need to build an additional house and toilets for nurses, patients’ waiting rooms and storerooms before the clinic can be opened.
Mutoko Rural District Council chief executive Mr Peter Sigauke promised to mobilise funds and assistance to finish the clinics.
“We are aware, as Mutoko RDC that these clinics need to be finished for the benefit of communities and right now we are in the process of mobilising funds and resources which will assist in their completion.
“It is a fact that these people walk for long distances to access medical services and we want that to come to an end, that is why we are busy mobilising resources which will be channelled towards the completion of these clinics,” he said.
Online Reporter