adminConrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
More than 140 high-impact projects have been completed in Mashonaland West since the start of the transfer of devolution funds by the Second Republic to allow local authorities to make a lot of the decisions on what type of infrastructure was needed, to set priorities and to mobilise additional funds to get more bang for their buck.
The President during the launch, tasked Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution to champion development in their provinces, with the discharge of that mandate being closely monitored by the Office of the President and Cabinet.
A wide range of development has been funded, although most rural district councils have been concentrating on building new clinics and schools to fill gaps in the social network and reduce travel times, as well as buying road construction equipment.
Devolution has transformed the health and education sectors across the country and with the latest commissioning, the Second Republic received praises from villagers in Mhangura’s Ward 4, 5, 6, and 13 after the funds helped in the construction of Gandawasvika Clinic by Makonde Rural District Council.
The new clinic has shortened the distances people walked in search of medical services.
Construction of the $4 million clinic since 2021, is one of the many successful devolution stories in the province.
Speaking after the commissioning ceremony of the clinic officiated over by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Mary Mliswa-Chikoka villagers thanked Government for making the new clinic possible.
“The health care centre has been long overdue. We were walking over 10 kilometres to access services at Umboe Clinic,” said Gogo Farai Gwanyanya.
Another beneficiary, Ms Ethel Mutasa of Pfupi Village in Ward 13 said the scarcity of vehicles using the Chinhoyi-Umboe-Mhangura road was putting the health of the people at risk. “There are a few roads that ply the road and this hindered access to health care service for thousands of people in the wards that this new clinic will be serving,” she said.
Makonde district nursing officer, Ms Margaret Gapara said the new clinic was speaking to the Government’s agenda of having a clinic within 5km of most households and no more than 8km from every household in line with National Development Strategy.
Council chairman Mr Simbarashe Ziyambi said a resolution to build the clinic was made by the council after the community had mooted the idea to turn an old farm house into a decent clinic.
Mhangura legislator Precious Chinhamo-Masango said the community played a critical role by providing labour and building materials, thus ensuring that the devolution funds would stretch further to build up what was needed.
Minister Mliswa-Chikoka who confirmed that at least 140 projects had been completed in her province using devolution funds showing that the Second Republic was concerned about the welfare of its citizens.
“Let’s all applaud President Mnangagwa for introducing devolution funds. This big development is going to save the lives of many from the area.
“We strive for a better community in line with Vision 2030. Here in Mashonaland West, we currently have 141 completed projects that were funded through Devolution,” she said.
The community was challenged to safeguard the infrastructure jealously while a call was also made for more old farmhouses to be turned into clinics.
Online Reporter