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A new clinic in Tshabili area of Beitbridge built using devolution funds and resources mobilised through a partnership involving the Beitbridge Rural District Council and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will open its doors soon.
The clinic will serve close to 5 000 people.
Beitbridge Rural District Council chief executive, Mr Peter Moyo said the clinic would start offering services soon since the Ministry of Health and Child Care had completed the necessary inspections.
“We are excited by this development which will go a long way in enhancing service delivery in our area,” he said. “At the moment we are awaiting the outcome of a report by the Ministry of Health and Child Care which conducted inspections at the building last week.” He said the Zimbabwe National Army provided labour to build the clinic, while IOM, the local authority and the community provided other resources. Building began in 2013, but progress was slow until the Government allocated $8,5 million to the local authority in the last two years for devolution-related projects.
Currently, people in Beitbridge East are relying on Shabwe, Tshituripasi, Chaswingo, Makombe, Dite, and Tshikwalakwala health centres, and Malabe health post, requiring journeys of 10km to 60km.
“We managed to complete outstanding works last year after getting funds from central government through the devolution initiative,” said Mr Moyo.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, people must not walk for more than 8km to access health facilities.
Mr Moyo said the clinic will benefit people from Tshabili, Lungowe, Lukange, Lukungwe, Madaulo, and those from Headman Tshikwelengwe’s area.
“In addition to the Tshabili project, we are also building another clinic in Dumba area, Ward 15, using devolution funds. The project is almost complete, although civil works are being delayed by the rains,” he said.
Online Reporter