Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
A palpable sigh of relief and joy swept through the villages and farming communities of Muswewenhede in Mazowe West, Mashonaland Central Province, after the commissioning of a new clinic and waiting mothers’ shelter.
The initiative was spearheaded by local legislator and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
Despite being a hub of rich agricultural activity for decades under white former commercial farmers, the area – encompassing farms like Mandindindi, Bright, Machere, Luckynow, Makumbiri, and Ariana – had historically lacked any health facility to cater for its residents. Pregnant women and the elderly had to travel long distances to seek medical assistance at hospitals in Concession, Howard and Mvurwi.
However, concerted efforts by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa, aimed at achieving universal health access, have now brought these essential services directly to the local communities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Cde Kazembe underscored the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring universal health access for all Zimbabweans.
“The achievement we are witnessing today is a fulfilment of Zimbabwe’s health priorities as envisaged in the Zimbabwe Health Strategy 2021 to 2025,” he said.
“The commissioning of Muswewenhede Clinic and shelter aligns with the Government’s inclusive development agenda of leaving no one and no place behind.”
The establishment of this clinic was made possible through funding from the Lotteries and Gaming Board.
Ms Irene Kasere of Bright Farm said the new facility was nothing short of a lifesaver.
“Many mothers died over the years due to birth complications as they used to deliver babies in their homes due to lack of access to medical facilities,” she said.
“As mothers who carry lives and bring children on earth, this is the greatest of all respect that the Government has brought us.
“We grew up working on the farms under the white farmers and our mothers never knew a hospital; as mothers, we know what this means to have such facilities.”
