Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
Marimari Clinic in Ward 5 under Sanyati Rural District Council is now 99 percent complete, with only power‑wiring and plumbing works outstanding before the facility is opened to the public.
The near completion of the clinic marks a major milestone in the council’s health‑infrastructure development drive, largely funded through Government devolution funds aimed at improving service delivery in rural communities.
Sanyati RDC chairperson Councillor Stanford Chaombezvi said the completion of Marimari Clinic would significantly ease the burden on villagers who have, for years, travelled long distances to access medical services.
“We are pleased that Marimari Clinic is now 99 percent complete. What is left is the installation of power‑wiring and plumbing, after which the facility will be ready to serve our people,” said Cllr Chaombezvi.
“This project is a clear testimony of Government’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in terms of access to health services.
“Once operational, the clinic will reduce walking distances and ensure that our people — especially pregnant women, children and the elderly — receive timely medical attention.”
The council is also working on constructing staff quarters, with siting already completed.
Sanyati RDC chief executive officer Mr Ackim Shadaya said devolution funds have significantly strengthened the district’s capacity to deliver essential services.
“Devolution funds have transformed and capacitated Sanyati Rural District Council in improving service delivery to the people. From 2019 to date, the local authority has used these funds productively, channelling them towards improving water, sanitation, hygiene, health and education,” said Mr Shadaya.
He noted that at Marimari Clinic, two main blocks have already been roofed, while an ablution block is complete.
The borehole at the clinic has been solarised to ensure a reliable water supply.
“The remaining works are mainly electrical wiring and plumbing. Once these are done, the clinic will be fully functional. This facility will go a long way in providing affordable and accessible primary healthcare services to the community,” he said.
The Marimari project is part of a broader infrastructure development programme being rolled out across the district.
Four clinics are currently under construction at various stages, including Masasa Clinic in Ward 12, which is being built in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Beyond health services, Sanyati RDC has also invested in roads, water and sanitation infrastructure.
The council purchased a 75HP tractor for refuse collection in Wards 1 to 8, two tipper trucks for road maintenance and construction, and an SDLG 165HP motorised grader to improve road trafficability.
In Ward 18, two submersible pumps were installed at the raw‑water abstraction point and purification plant, increasing pumping capacity from 50 000 cubic metres to 80 000 cubic metres per hour.
Boreholes at Chakari Business Centre were solarised, while the council also acquired a borehole drilling rig to reduce costs and expand access to potable water across the district.
Villagers in Ward 5 have welcomed the imminent completion of Marimari Clinic, expressing gratitude to the Government and the local authority.
Ms Sylvia Tsarara said the clinic would bring relief to families who previously had to travel long distances for treatment.
“We are very thankful to the Government for this clinic. For years, we have been walking long distances to access health services. This will change our lives, especially for women and children,” she said.
Marimari Clinic committee chairperson Mr Marvelous Machingura described the development as a dream come true for the community.
“This clinic is a result of the Government listening to the concerns of rural people. We are grateful for the devolution funds that made this possible. We are now looking forward to its official opening,” he said.
Ms Anolity Moyo said the facility would improve health outcomes in the area.
“Our children and elderly people suffered most because of the distance to the nearest clinic. We thank the Government and Sanyati RDC for prioritising our health,” she said.
Elderly villager Ms Leena Chitondo said the clinic would ease the burden on senior citizens.
“As elderly people, travelling long distances was very difficult for us. We are happy and thankful that we will now get treatment closer to home,” she said.
The completion of Marimari Clinic will significantly reduce the distance villagers travel to access healthcare, with most currently walking an average of 20 kilometres to Patchway Clinic.
