Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
ACCESS to healthcare services has been brought closer to the people of Musingarabwi in Mapanzure area of Masvingo West, following the commissioning of a new clinic built through government’s devolution programme.
For years, villagers in the area have been walking between eight and 10 kilometers to access Mapanzure or Bondolfi clinics.
However, the establishment of Musingarambwi Clinic has changed their story for the better as they are now accessing healthcare services closer, hence saving lives and restoring their dignity.
“I grew up in this area, walking 8km to Mapanzure Clinic to access healthcare services. It has been difficult, especially for pregnant women and young children. Today we celebrate this clinic because it has brought us closer to medical care and we are confident it will save many lives,” a local villager, Ms Chipo Madondombasi Jongoni said.
“We have been recording high cases of maternal and prenatal mortality, especially in this area due to the unavailability of healthcare services. There has been a challenge in terms of health-seeking behaviour, however, the challenge has been solved with the establishment of this new clinic,” Gabriel Magengezha added.
Another villager expressed gratitude to the Second Republic for accelerating the completion of the clinic through devolution funds.
“We want to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa and our Provincial Minister, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, for ensuring the completion of this new facility. It took us years since 2015 to complete the project, however, the coming in of devolution funds has enabled the completion of this project.”
For government, Vision 2030 is anchored on a healthy nation and access to social services, hence the continuous rollout of the devolution programme.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Sleiman Kwidini, said the government is prioritising access to healthcare, especially in rural communities.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration are establishing clinics and hospitals across the country, striving to ensure access to healthcare services for all, especially in rural communities. We are going to ensure all the established facilities are equipped to fully service the people.”
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, reaffirmed government’s commitment to accelerating development through devolution.
“The devolution programme by President Mnangagwa has transformed many lives in Masvingo province and so far, 200 projects ranging from clinics, schools, classroom blocks, bridges and capital equipment for service delivery by local authorities have been commissioned. Other 80 projects are ongoing, hence we continue to support the devolution programme.”
The event also saw the commissioning of capital equipment for Masvingo Rural District Council bought through devolution funds and the handover of new motorbikes for councillors.
