Online Reporter
Tanyaradzwa Kutaura
Communities in Gotora village in Uzumba Mashonaland East Province have taken a leading role in the construction of a referral health facility that will serve at least 10 000 community members and reduce the distance being travelled by many in search of medical assistance.
This initiative dovetails with the President’s mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” and the nation’s development agenda.
Gotora Clinic construction committee chairperson Mr Vengai Gotora told Zimpapers Online that they have managed to mobilise primary resources for the construction exercise and are lobbying authorities to come in with additional support.
He said that to date they have moulded 100 000 bricks for the project.
“We sat down as a community and decided that we have to be innovative and come up with a tailored solution to our health challenges,” he said.
“So we decided to build a clinic and we then set up a committee to kick-start our huge project, which I am chairing.
“To date, we have managed to mould bricks, and mobilise other materials and have dug the foundation, which is awaiting council approval so that we can start building the structure.
“Upon completion, this facility will service approximately 10 000 people and will act as a referral clinic considering its size.”
He said the facility will boast of a pharmacy, female and male ward, as well as a maternity ward.
Mr Gotora said the project has created jobs for youths in their community, reducing their exposure to bad habits such as drugs and substance abuse.
“It has always been my wish for the younger generation to participate in these activities, considering that they are the future leaders,” he said.
A member of the community, Nyarai Pangaya (47) said the clinic will assist expecting mothers who will be able to access maternity services within their proximity.
“We are happy with our project, it will save us from a lot of trouble because as women we have been on the receiving end,” she said.
“A lot of expecting mothers have been giving birth while on their way to the hospital and in some cases, others have died.”
One of the community leaders, Webster Kabayanjiri, said it was great to see the community rallying behind the Government’s call for Zimbabweans to actively participate in nation-building.
“I am happy as an elderly person to witness such an idea, it shows that we have vibrant people within our community, and what makes me happier is that we are contributing to the development of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Online Reporter