Story by Tafara Chikumira
The lower Gweru community is excited about the construction of a local clinic which has been made possible by the Second Republic’s devolution programme.
The construction of Impala Clinic, which started off as a community initiative, saw major works being carried out after the government provided financial resources to the tune of ZW$82 million through the devolution fund.
Constructors are now putting final touches to the staff quarters, while the main structure and ablution facilities are now complete.
The clinic has tap water, while a perimeter fence has since been erected, much to the delight of the community.
“Life has been very tough here. We would walk 18 kilometres to the nearest clinic. People used to die because of our health facility. I want to thank the President and his government for coming to our rescue,” noted a relieved resident.
“We can safely say now we are alive. It’s a new lease of life for some of us. We can now get medication on our doorsteps. It’s a dream come true indeed,” noted another resident whose delight could not be hidden.
Another resident weighed in saying, “We are slowly getting our prayers answered day in and day out. We just hope the clinic gets finished like yesterday. We used to have problems with some of us delivering children at home. This must be a thing of the past now.”
Government is equally impressed by the progress after the local authority used devolution funds for people-centred programmes.
“They used to have a problem of having too many programmes at one given time. We have advised them to focus on major projects and finish on time before they move to another one,” noted Midlands province Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge.
“I am glad they took our advice and we are now witnessing Devolution in motion. We want to advise other local authorities to take a leaf from such good works,” he added.
Several communities are witnessing massive development projects as the government continues to uplift the livelihoods of marginalised communities through the devolution programme which speaks to the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
