Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
MORE than 25 000 people in Mwenezi and neighbouring Chivi are set to benefit from improved healthcare services following the commissioning of Petronella Clinic under the Government’s devolution programme.
The new health facility is expected to significantly reduce travelling distances for communities that previously relied on clinics in Lundi, Ngundu and Mwenezi to access medical services.
Residents welcomed the development, saying it will improve access to quality healthcare.
“As a community, we are happy to witness the commissioning of this clinic. We used to walk long distances to Lundi, Ngundu or Mwenezi clinics to access healthcare services, sometimes more than 20 kilometres,” said one beneficiary.
Another community member said women would particularly benefit from the facility.
“We are happy that our clinic is fully equipped and has already opened its doors to us. The burden we have endured for years has been lifted because we can now access healthcare services within our area,” the beneficiary said.
Beyond the clinic, Mwenezi Rural District Council has strengthened service delivery through the acquisition of vehicles, a tractor, a grader, a dumper truck and motorcycles for councillors.
Mwenezi Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Albert Chivanga said the clinic was built through a combination of devolution funds, council resources and support from private partners.
“The clinic was constructed using devolution funds, council funds and support from private partners. The motorcycles are for councillors to perform their duties more efficiently, while the vehicles, tractor and dumper truck were purchased for US$185 000. The clinic will serve a catchment area of about 25 000 people from Mwenezi and Chivi,” he said.
Mwenezi Rural District Council Chairperson, Councillor Admire Matutu said the motorcycles would improve councillors’ ability to monitor development projects across their wards.
“I want to thank the Government for equipping councillors with motorcycles so they can move around their wards and ensure development reaches every corner of the district,” he said.
Commissioning the projects, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said the investments demonstrate steady progress under the devolution programme.
“The commissioning of Petronella Rural Clinic, together with vehicles, machinery and motorcycles for councillors, is more than the unveiling of infrastructure. It demonstrates that the district is making tangible progress and that the wheels of development are turning steadily. As we move towards an upper middle-income society by 2030, efficient local authorities remain central to national transformation,” he said.
The commissioning of Petronella Clinic adds to ongoing devolution projects aimed at improving healthcare access and strengthening public service delivery in rural communities.
