Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE devolution programme has come with a visible impact in rural communities, with new development projects in Zaka district improving the health care sector and service delivery.
This comes after the commissioning of Murerekwa Clinic in Zaka Rural District, which has brought smiles to villagers who, for years endured walking long distances to access basic healthcare.
The newly built clinic means an end to travelling over 10 kilometres to Ndanga or Jerera for treatment, especially for expectant mothers, children and the elderly.
“As a community, we are happy that our clinic has finally opened its doors. It took us long and we have been travelling to Ndanga or Jerera to access healthcare services and many of us could not afford,” a community member said.
“The burden was heavy, especially for us women, hence we celebrate this milestone. To access maternal services, we had to travel long distances and we want to thank our President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for ensuring no one and no place is left behind in terms of accessing healthcare services,” another noted.
The devolution programme has also capacitated the local authority to fulfil its mandate after the local authority received a fire tender, two service vehicles and 44 motorcycles for councillors.
“As a council, we are happy to report that we have managed to build several clinics, schools, classroom blocks, capital equipment for the local authority and again. Our councillors are being capacitated through motorbikes such that they are able to reach every corner of their wards, engaging communities,” Zaka Rural District Council Chairperson, Councillor Fungai Maregedze said.
The government is convinced the devolution programme is a game-changer in efforts to bring essential services closer to the people, improve accountability and empower local authorities to respond effectively to grassroots needs.
“Through devolution, we are ensuring that no community is left behind. The commissioning of Murerekwa Clinic, the provision of motorcycles for councillors, and service vehicles for the council clearly demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering local authorities and improving service delivery at grassroots level,” the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe noted.
“Through devolution, we have managed to complete more than 200 projects in Masvingo alone, ranging from clinics, schools, roads, and water infrastructure. These interventions are improving the quality of life for our people and showing that development is best driven from the grassroots,” Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira weighed in.
The devolution programme is leaving a lasting footprint across the country, with the promise of better health, improved infrastructure, stronger local governance and improved service delivery.
