Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
RESIDENTS of Masvingo are set to benefit from improved maternal healthcare and enhanced urban service delivery following the commissioning of the Runyararo Maternity Clinic and a new engineering fleet worth US$1.2 million.
The opening of the Runyararo Maternity Clinic marks another step in the government’s drive to strengthen healthcare services under the Second Republic.
The new facility is expected to ease pressure on existing health institutions while bringing quality maternal and neonatal care closer to communities.
Residents welcomed the development, saying it will improve access to essential healthcare services.
“Today is a great day for us as women in this community because the council has brought maternity services closer to us. It has been very difficult because we previously had to travel to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, Rujeko Clinic or Mazorodze Clinic. Now the facility is within our community,” said one resident.
Another resident said the clinic’s modern equipment would improve the quality of care.
“What excites us most is that the clinic is well equipped with modern facilities, meaning we will receive quality healthcare services.”
A third resident said the facility would help reduce maternal and infant mortality in the area.
The government also commissioned a fleet of yellow machinery and service vehicles for Masvingo City Council to strengthen infrastructure development and improve municipal service delivery.
Masvingo City Council Mayor Councillor Alec Tabe described the commissioning as a significant milestone.
“As a city, we are celebrating a double milestone for urban development through the commissioning of a new US$1.2 million engineering fleet and the official opening of the new Runyararo Maternity Unit, valued at more than US$700 000. These landmark developments represent a major step forward in infrastructure modernisation and primary healthcare delivery.
“The new fleet of heavy earth-moving machinery and utility vehicles will transform council operations, accelerate critical infrastructure projects and improve service delivery for residents.”
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said the investments demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving healthcare and urban infrastructure.
“This investment demonstrates the city’s commitment to improving service delivery and building resilient urban infrastructure. Alongside the engineering fleet, we commend the city for constructing the 20-bed Runyararo Maternity Unit, a transformative investment in maternal and child healthcare.
“The facility will significantly improve access to quality maternity services for residents of Runyararo, Victoria Ranch and surrounding suburbs, who previously had to travel long distances to North West and Mucheke clinics. By bringing these critical services closer to the community, the maternity unit will help reduce unsafe home deliveries and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.”
The Runyararo Maternity Unit adds to a growing number of health infrastructure projects being rolled out nationwide as the government expands access to quality healthcare while strengthening the capacity of local authorities to deliver efficient public services.
