New clinic ends long walk to health care services

Conrad Mupesa–Mash West Bureau

THE construction of Mahwau Clinic in Ward 3 by Hurungwe Rural District Council is expected to address health endured by the community for decades. 

Thousands of community members under the jurisdiction  of Chief Chundu (Abel Mbasera) have had to endure the pain of travelling over 10km to access health care services. 

The clinic is being constructed using devolution funds while the community and private players engagements have seen an environmental lobby group, Carbon Green Africa procuring some of the materials needed. 

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the construction on Tuesday, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Province, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka applauded council and the private company for prioritising the health sector. 

“Council and Carbon Green Africa have done a good job of prioritising health service delivery by mulling the construction of this clinic. It shows that the council is moving in line with Vision 2030, which seeks to improve the livelihoods of the people. 

“Councils should embark on projects and activities that positively impact the community,” she said. 

Chief Chundu reiterated the importance of the clinic to the people in his area. 

“This is a good move which was long overdue. The construction of the clinic is going to reduce mortality rates in the area as many succumbed to various ailments owing to the unavailability of health care centre,” he said. 

Carbon Green Africa managing director, Mr Charles Ndondo said his organisation availed $3 million to purchase some of the materials needed for the clinic’s construction. 

He said the organisation will continue to support communities that it operates from to uplift their livelihoods. 

Hurungwe RDC chief executive officer, Mr Luke Kalavino said the clinic would service at least 10 000 people in Ward 3, adding that council was going to use some of its internal funds and those released from the Government through devolution to construct more clinics.

The council also handed over 26 motorbikes to its councillors for general use in their duties. 

The commissioning of solar-powered street lights at Magunje growth point concluded the event. 

The ouncil it said will soon install solar-powered lights at Zvipani business centre along Magunje-Binga road in its last two phases.