Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Sunday News Reporter
THE construction of Ngwana Clinic in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province is nearing completion and is set to significantly ease the burden on villagers who have been walking distances of up to 10 kilometres to access the nearest health facility.
The structure is getting its final touches, including plumbing for staff housing and electrification of the entire clinic in preparation for its opening to the community, which is expected before the end of the year while work has already started for the construction of a waiting mothers’ shelter at the clinic.
The clinic is a result of partnerships and contributions from community fundraising initiatives, the Banabengwana Development Trust (BDT), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Bulilima Rural Development Council and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Although the clinic is in Ward Five, it is designed to provide health services to villagers from various parts of the district.
Initiated in 2013, Ngwana Clinic aims to facilitate access to essential healthcare services for villagers who used to travel long distances to health centres, leading to numerous negative health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly and children.
Mr Biliati Mlauzi, the chief executive officer of Bulilima Rural District Council emphasised the importance of this development, noting that the construction of a waiting mothers’ home has started, although it is still at the concrete stage.
He said there are minor tasks pending before the overall clinic project can be officially declared complete.
“The development is quite pleasing, and I would like to express my gratitude to the community and their children under the Banabengwana Development Trust banner. I also extend my thanks to the diaspora community that has taken it upon itself to ensure health services are brought closer for easy access,” said Mr Mlauzi.
Previously, villagers were forced to travel eight kilometres to Matjinge Clinic and 10 kilometres to Ndiweni Clinic—challenges that posed difficulties for pregnant women and those in need of urgent care.
The physical strain of such long distances deterred many from seeking timely medical attention, leaving untreated conditions to worsen and complicating healthcare outcomes.
Mr Mlauzi said extended travel times exacerbate conditions, delay critical medical attention and result in increased morbidity and mortality rates.
Councillor Dolly Dube, representing Ndiweni, noted that the opening of Ngwana Clinic will not only alleviate overcrowding at existing clinics but will also enhance the overall well-being of the community.
“The community members are currently travelling long distances to the nearest clinics, which is not ideal for sick people. Ngwana Clinic will reduce this arduous travel, ensuring that villagers can access necessary medication and health services closer to home,” said Clr Dube.
The community hopes for the clinic’s official opening before the end of the year.
Under the National Development Strategy (NDS1), the Government is prioritising healthcare delivery as a crucial pillar of economic development, aiming to ensure that all citizens, particularly those in underserved areas, have access to quality healthcare services.
With facilities like Ngwana Clinic on the horizon, the health landscape in Bulilima District is set to improve, potentially transforming the lives of many villagers and offering a hopeful future for community health.
