Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube [email protected]
TSHOLOTSHO communities will now access healthcare closer to home following the commissioning of Ngamo Clinic, a facility built through a partnership between Government, the local authority, development partners and the community.
The new clinic was built in Ward 3 at a cost of about US$402 000 with financial contributions from Imvelo Safari lodges, Children in the Wilderness, Tsholotsho Rural District Council and the community.
The facility is expected to serve more than 1 450 people and three schools, reducing drastically the distances locals used to travel to seek medical services.
Commissioning the clinic on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo, represented by the director of administration and finance in his office, Mr Mbizo Moyo, commended all stakeholders for working together to improve healthcare services in the area.
“Ngamo Clinic stands as testimony that sustainable development can be achieved when Government, local authorities, traditional leadership, development partners, the private sector and communities unite behind a common vision.
“I commend the people of Ward Three, Tsholotsho Rural District Council, Imvelo Safari Lodges, Children in the Wilderness and every stakeholder whose dedication has made this project a reality,” he said.
The clinic comprises consultation rooms, maternity facilities, admission wards, a pharmacy, counselling rooms, staff accommodation and other supporting infrastructure expected to improve access to quality healthcare.
Minister Moyo said the facility supports the implementation of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards under Statutory Instrument 170 of 2025, which requires essential public services, including healthcare, to be accessible to communities.
He urged health workers to provide quality services while calling on residents to safeguard the facility.
“I urge the community to protect this valuable investment. This clinic belongs to you. Support the healthcare workers and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from this important national health asset,” said Minister Moyo.
“This clinic represents hope for expectant mothers, better healthcare for our children, dignity for our elderly and a healthier future for every family in this community.”
Tsholotsho Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Nkululeko Sibanda said the clinic will significantly improve access to healthcare for surrounding communities.
He commended Ward Three residents and development partners for contributing towards the successful completion of the project.
“The commissioning of this facility contributes to the National Development Strategy 2 pillar on Social Development and Social Protection, which focuses on enhancing universal access to quality healthcare and improving health infrastructure. It also advances Sustainable Development Goal Three on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages,” he said.
Mr Sibanda said the local authority is working towards meeting the Minimum Service Delivery Standards, which require health facilities to be within a 10-kilometre radius of communities.
He said council also intends to complete and commission Mbamba Clinic before the end of the year.
Tsholotsho District Medical Officer Dr Nyasha Chuma urged the community to continue supporting the facility so that additional services could be introduced.
“We look forward to even greater achievements at this clinic. We hope to see services such as dental care and optometry being introduced in future,” she said.
Local traditional leader Senator Chief Mathuphula urged villagers to prioritise sanitation by constructing toilets to help prevent disease outbreaks.
Government continues to expand health infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and previously underserved communities, as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage and realise Vision 2030.
