adminSydney Mubaiwa in Zaka
Villagers in Murerekwa area in Ward 8 under Zaka Central Constituency have initiated the construction of a clinic to improve access to primary healthcare services in their area with more than 1 000 households. The clinic was mooted in 2012, but failed to take off due to economic challenges.
This year, the communities of Munanga, Rupuu, Mataruse, Mashingaidze and Chivanganye pooled financial and material resources, including labour, for civil works to start.
In separate interviews yesterday, the villagers said they were travelling for more than 15km to the nearest clinic at Gumbo.
They said in some cases, patients were forced to trek to Jerera Growth Point to seek medical attention.
Ward 8 Councillor Mr Tererai Tererai said villagers decided to construct the clinic in response to the shortage of health facilities in the area.
“As members of the community, we decided to build a clinic in Ward 8 to minimise challenges most people are encountering in accessing primary healthcare,” said Clr Tererai.
“So we organised ourselves and contributed towards constructing the clinic and work has already started. Besides providing labour, each household contributed $5 towards the project.
“Most people here are from poor backgrounds, and when sickness befalls them, they are not even able to look for money to either hire a car to transport their loved ones or pay bus fare.
“However, we have among other things managed to mobilise major building materials such as bricks.
“The good thing that everyone is appreciative of is the location of our clinic which is very strategic considering that it is close to our primary school and road.”
Ms Vongai Moyo, an elderly woman from Murerekwa Village, said women were the most affected due to lack of healthcare facilities in the area.
Online Reporter