MARTIN MAWAYA
Gweru – Gweru City Council is making a concerted effort to accelerate the modernization of its public health system and refurbish existing infrastructure to improve access to healthcare services for the residents.
The local authority says it is working on re-equipping and upgrading its clinics, as well as constructing a new, modernized clinic in Mkoba 20, in a bid to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
According to Ward 6 Councilor Lovemore Choto, the 2025 budget has allocated a significant portion of funding towards key social services, including education and healthcare.
Under this plan, council has budgeted for the construction of a new modernized clinic in Ward 16 in Mkoba 20, as well as a maternity wing at the Mkoba 1 clinic and the revamping of the Mtapa clinic with the addition of new equipment.
“All these developments are aimed at relieving the pressure on Mkoba Polyclinic and other existing health facilities,” Choto explained during the Strengthening Institutions and People Participation in Public Finance (SIPPP) project, organized by Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA).
Choto revealed that the council’s clinics have recorded over 10,491 patient visits as of last December, a testament to the residents’ faith in the council’s healthcare delivery services.
GRRA Executive Director Cornilia Selipiwe encouraged residents to actively track the council’s expenditures, particularly in the health and education sectors, to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
“Budget tracking and public participation in the council’s financial plans have the potential to improve transparency, foster public accountability, and enhance the appropriate use of public funds,” Selipiwe said.
He said council’s focus on modernizing its public health infrastructure is a significant step towards improving access to quality healthcare services for the city.
Selipiwe added that the city fathers should continue to engage with residents, noting that feedback meetings help track the council’s public finance management systems.
