Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A major breakthrough in access to basic services has been recorded in the remote Bhale community of Hwange District where the Government is constructing a new primary school and clinic through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida).
This development spares learners a grueling 19km daily walk to Dinde to access education.
The long-awaited project, which falls under the Presidential philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind,” is expected to significantly improve access to both education and healthcare in this sparsely populated part of Matabeleland North.
Speaking during a recent tour of the project, the Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Joram Gumbo, said two classroom blocks were already under construction. He also revealed that, funds permitting, a secondary school will be built in the second phase of the project.
“I’m very impressed by the work being done here. The construction of this school, which was initiated by our Speaker, Cde Jacob Mudenda, is a welcome development,” said Dr Gumbo.
He added that a clinic was also under construction in the area, which will significantly reduce the long distances locals travel to Dinde to seek health services.
The project, being implemented in phases, will eventually include a secondary school, ensuring continuity for learners completing their primary education.
However, Dr Gumbo raised concerns over the substandard work observed at the clinic, warning that it may not pass health inspections and could face challenges in being officially registered.
“The shoddy work that was done here might make it difficult to register the facility or having it approved by the Health Ministry,” he said.
Local traditional leader, Chief Nekatambe, welcomed the development, saying access to education and healthcare had long eluded his community. He echoed Dr Gumbo’s concerns about poor workmanship, criticising the contractor for using low-quality prefabricated materials.
Chief Nekatambe said the toilets were not user friendly to people with disabilities and staff cottages had cracked floors.
Hwange District Medical Officer, Dr Fungayi Musinami, confirmed the concerns, noting that the clinic might not be registered for failing to meet the required standards.
The project, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 4 on health and education, has brought renewed hope to the area. However, it has also sparked calls for stronger community consultation and oversight to ensure quality and sustainability are not compromised.
The community now awaits corrective action and progress on the construction of the secondary school, in order to fully realise the transformative potential of these initiatives.
