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Conrad Mupesa–Mashonaland West Bureau
SANYATI Rural District Council is expected to soon commission two large state-of-the-art clinics they built with devolution funds.
The efforts by the council, and many other rural district councils to expand the clinic network and bring quality health facilities closer to more communities, is in line with the country’s Vision 2030.
The new clinics were built by Zimbabwe Defence Forces in conjunction with the Department of Public Works with the participation of the villagers.
Before the unveiling of devolution funds, the council could only afford renovating farm houses into clinics in its resettlement areas to add to the basic network set up in the 1980s.
The two clinics are now at roof level and are larger than average.
Each has male and female wards with a capacity to accommodate 10 patients, maternity and delivery wards, high-tech equipped laboratories, flushing ablution services, independent multi-million-dollar solar power, tap water and other facilities upon completion.
A villager, Mr Shame Murido, who has been providing security at the construction site since the start of the building, said the MariMari Clinic in Ward 5 was going to end long distance nightmares which were walked by villagers to access health care services since resettlement close to about 20 years ago.
“As villagers we are supplying bricks and other labour requirements by the ZDF. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for availing funds as more than 136 plots surrounding the clinic and other areas will benefit from the clinic,” he said.
Ms Mellisa Mufanehondo, said most pregnant women were having complications as the long distance from the village to the nearest health care centre and damaged roads made it difficult for transporters to use the route.
Samuel Nhongo, a youthful villager, concurred adding the decision by council to prioritise healthcare from devolution funds was welcomed by thousands of villagers.
Council chairman Clr Patson Chakauya said construction of Masasa Clinic in Ward 12 had been lagging behind but progress was now faster with villagers now helping. He was optimistic that they will be opened by end of next month.
Construction of staff accommodation has also started as this needs to be opened by the same time. Rural clinics must have staff housing.
Said Engineer Muputa: “Completion of MariMari Clinic is within the council’s target of the first 100 days of 2022. We engaged the ZDF for artisanal work which is also cost effective.
“The first block which comprises of male and female; maternity; delivery wards, environmental health technician’s office and other support rooms, covers 319 square metres and is almost complete.
“The second block which houses out-patient departments, observation, drug and laboratory rooms, is also nearing completion,” he said.
“As council, we have gone an extra mile to construct state-of-the-art flushable ablution facilities with showers and a laundry which is also progressing well.”
Online Reporter