Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
THE Ntepe community in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South, has embarked on a crucial infrastructure development project to construct a local clinic to enhance access to health services.
The initiative, launched in 2022 through the Ntepe Hub Development Group (NHDG), took a significant step forward recently when Chief Nhlamba laid the first building brick on site, located 39km from Gwanda town.
The community-driven project aims to reduce the long distances villagers travel to access healthcare at Chelesa or Garanyemba clinics.
However, progress has been slow due to funding challenges.
The event was attended by several local village heads, Ward 14 councillor, Gilbert Ndlovu, community leaders and local villagers.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Nhlamba commended the project, saying it will greatly improve access to healthcare for villagers in surrounding areas such as Vela, Manyange, Bhalula, Zhombe and Samlodi “The building of this clinic in Ntepe is a milestone achievement as it will ensure that surrounding communities have access to healthcare,” he said.
“This is a great development as villagers from Vela, Manyange, Bhalula, Zhombe and Samlodi travel long distances to access healthcare.
“Our nearby clinics Garanyemba and Sengezane are very far for some villagers hence we welcome this development as it will go a long way in addressing our plight.”
NHDG chairperson, Mr Leonard Moyo, said there was a need for collective support from the community to ensure the timely completion of the clinic, stressing that the involvement of traditional leaders is crucial to the project’s success.
“On our own, as a steering committee, we cannot do much without the full support of traditional leadership. We are glad our chief and his entourage are here and they will help us go far and complete this project as planned,” he said. — @mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter