Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
COMMUNITIES in the Mazunga resettlement area in Ward 14, Beitbridge District, can now access healthcare closer to home following the opening of a new clinic.
Located 60km along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Road, Mazunga Clinic began offering services two weeks ago after meeting the standards set by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The facility serves communities in Ward 14, including motorists using the highway and villagers in Tshionzeni, Musane, Mapani, Mabidi, Masera and Zhovhe areas.
The clinic is well-equipped, featuring a maternity wing that can accommodate over 12 women, a pharmacy, a mothers’ waiting shelter and an environmental health section. It also includes outpatient wards, male and female wards and a fully functional emergency room.
The project was a community-driven initiative, with local villagers, businesses and the Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC) pooling resources to transform a former farmhouse into a health facility.
Beitbridge RDC’s acting chief executive officer, Mr Peter Ncube, explained that the clinic’s opening had been delayed while final recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Child Care were addressed.
“A final inspection was carried out recently, paving the way for the opening of this primary healthcare facility, which falls under the Beitbridge RDC. We have deployed a nurse and an environmental health technician to the clinic, which is now offering primary healthcare services,” he said.
“We are working on increasing staff to enhance service delivery. This clinic will be a relief to communities in Ward 14 and surrounding areas. It will also provide much-needed support to travellers along the highway,” he added.
Mr Ncube also mentioned that more clinics are being built in other wards to increase access to healthcare.
“Plans are at an advanced stage to commission the Tshabili Clinic, which is already offering services to the community. We have deployed a nurse to Dumba Clinic in preparation for its opening,” he said.
Mr Ncube highlighted that additional clinics will be constructed in areas with shortages once they receive their allocation of devolution funds this year.
Meanwhile, with support from the International Medical Corps (IMC), Beitbridge RDC has established a piped water scheme powered by solar energy, benefitting both a local school and the Mudzwiti community.
The district medical officer, Dr Lenos Samhere, said his team was satisfied with the civil works at Mazunga Clinic, clearing the way for its opening.
“We have done our part and are pleased with the improvements at Mazunga Clinic. We recommended that the Beitbridge RDC open the facility to the public while they address minor outstanding issues, such as fixing broken floor tiles,” said Dr Samhere.
The opening of Mazunga Clinic brings the total number of clinics in Beitbridge District to 18, marking significant progress in improving healthcare access for rural communities.
