admin
Joseph Madzimure-Senior Reporter
A new clinic, Dunstan Poly Clinic, which is expected to serve over 15 000 villagers, is set to be constructed in Goromonzi District’s Ward 22.
The ground-breaking ceremony was last week presided over by Chief Rusike, born Aaron Muchenje Mashave.
“We are expecting the construction of the state-of-the-art clinic to start soon to ensure sustainable health delivery in the area. We should complement the Government’s efforts in ensuring health facilities are built closer to our door steps,” said Chief Rusike.
Presently, villagers are walking for between 10km and 15km to the nearest health facilities in Ruwa and Dema.
Dunstan Poly Clinic is being constructed by the local community under Chief Rusike’s jurisdiction in the Dunstan area.
The project is in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra “Nyika inovakwa, nekutongwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe ngabanikazi balo”.
Chief Rusike said he was confident the construction of new health facilities in the district will improve access to health. The community will be contributing bricks, sand, quarry stones and labour, during the construction process, as they seek to be involved in the development of their area.
Construction of the clinic has already started with initial attention on the foundations.
Building materials such as river sand, bricks, cement, among others, are already on site.
The area is lagging behind in terms of health and education infrastructure, and the construction of Dunstan Poly Clinic is a welcome development.
Infrastructure development is in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) and Vision 2030, of an empowered upper middle income society.
Beneficiaries spoke highly of the project, which they said would save many lives, especially as it will be offering maternity services.
At the moment, some expecting mothers are giving birth on the way to Ruwa Poly Clinic and other clinics, which are far away from their homes.
A village head in the area, Mr James Samhembere, said once the clinic becomes operational, it would bring improved life to many people.
“People have been walking for long distances to access healthcare services. We are glad that we now have a healthcare centre close by that will serve us and the community,” he said. “We have villagers from Villages 1, 3 and 4, in Dunstan, who are going to seek health service.”
A local farmer, Mr Tawanda Bondamakara, donated 30 000 bricks and 60 bags of cement towards the construction of the health centre.
After hearing the plight of Dunstan residents, Mr Bondamakara said he dedicated funds for the construction of the modern clinic and workers’ accommodation.
“We have made sure that the clinic meets the modern standards that include setting up flushing ablution facilities, male and female wards, and maternity wards, among other services,” he said.
“On top of that, the staff accommodation is going to have state-of-the-art facilities so as to reduce staff turnover.”
Another village head, Mr Nhemachena, said the health facility will open avenues for development in the area.
“It will bring employment creation, access to electricity, and other supporting services will be accessed in the area,” he said.
Staff accommodation would be solar-powered, and will have running water and standard ablution facilities.
Zanu PF council candidate for Ward 22, Dr Garikai Mutongoreya, said the health facility would help uplift the lives of ordinary people in the area.
“We have a number of projects lined up in the area. We are rehabilitating roads that link with the clinic. We want to ensure people afford basic needs in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision,” said Dr Mutongoreya.
He urged voters in the area to vote for President Mnangagwa and Zanu PF on August 23.
Zanu PF DCC Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Cde Ben Chivandire, commended the community for taking part in the construction of the clinic.
“The move is in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra, ‘Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa nevene vayo”. We want the locals to take part in the construction of the clinic,” said Cde Chivandire.
“The Government provided land, so the locals provided building materials. Zanu PF will remain in power forever, those dreaming for an opposition party government, can dream on.”
Zanu PF Kaguvi District chairman Cde John Mazarura said: “We are very grateful for the positive development in our district. Efficient health delivery system is vital for development and this is a welcome development.”
Mrs Enesia Mavhunga, another village head, said the Second Republic was unwavering in its commitment to accelerate the provision of adequate social infrastructure for new settlements established in the area
“This clinic has come when we really needed it. We are geared to contribute immensely towards the construction of our clinic,” said Mrs Mavhunga.
The Second Republic has embarked on a massive transformation of the health and education sectors since 2018.
Several clinics have been constructed in all parts of the country, some using devolution funds, to cut the distance that people walk to get to the nearest clinic.
A number of the new clinics have solar power to ensure staff members are retained, while medical drugs are also preserved well.
Online Reporter