Villagers walk up to 30km to access medication

In separate interviews yesterday, villagers said they were forced to travel 30km to Zezani Clinic, which is the nearest health facility.
“I walked a distance of about 30km from Whunga to Zezani Clinic to have my baby immunised because we don’t have a health facility at our area,” said Ms Melinda Ndou.

Another villager also from neighbouring Madali village, who identified herself as Mrs Jane Tlou echoed Ms Ndou’s sentiments.
She urged the Government to construct a clinic in their area.
“Right now I am expecting and I am forced to travel to Zezani every month for routine checks. The Government should chip in and assist us by constructing a local clinic to cater for our area and the surrounding villages,” she said.

The local councillor for Ward 10, Clr Gladys Tlou, confirmed that villagers in Whunga, Malikuwa, Dendele and Madali were walking a long distance to Zezani Clinic for medication.

Villagers from Tshamnangana, Mpande and Mtangamtshena in neighbouring Ward 11 also rely on Zezani Clinic.
Clr Tlou, however, said plans were under way to construct another clinic at Whunga to help ease the burden on local villagers who are walking long distances to Zezani.
“The Beitbridge Rural District Council has proposed a clinic at Whunga under our five-year strategic plan, but lack of funds is the major challenge. We have also approached donors and non-governmental organisations to chip in with assistance to no avail,” she said.

Clr Tlou also expressed concern over the poor road network, which has resulted in some public transporters pulling out of the route.
“Villagers in Zezani and surrounding areas are also facing a serious challenge in terms of transport because of the poor roads. We urge Government to address the problem as some transporters are pulling out due to the poor roads,” she said.