FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-The City of Masvingo clinics have recorded zero maternal and neonatal deaths over the past decade, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has revealed.
Chadzamira made the remarks during the official opening of the Runyararo Clinic Maternity Ward where he commended the city’s healthcare workers for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns.
He said the achievement reflected the city’s commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery as well as the tireless efforts of doctors, nurses, midwives and other health personnel.
“I am also pleased to note that the City of Masvingo has maintained an outstanding record over the past decade, recording zero maternal deaths and zero neonatal deaths,” said Chadzamira.
He said the milestone was a testament to the professionalism of healthcare workers, whose services continued to safeguard the lives of mothers and their newborns.
The newly opened Runyararo Maternity ward is expected to cater for residents of Runyararo, Victoria Ranch and surrounding suburbs who previously had to travel to Northwest and Mucheke clinics for maternity services.
Chadzamira said the 20-bed facility would provide antenatal care, safe delivery services and postnatal care, strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare in the city.
“By providing modern, accessible and quality maternity services, this facility advances the Government’s commitment to universal health coverage and ensures that no woman is left behind during one of the most important moments of her life,” he said.
The event saw the commissioning of a roller compactor, tractor, grader, bulldozer and excavator for the City of Masvingo that would go a long way in enhancing the council’s capacity to develop and maintain critical infrastructure.
In his welcome remarks, Masvingo Mayor Cllr Alec Tabe said the official opening of the Runyararo Maternity ward and the commissioning of the city’s US$1.2 million engineering fleet marked a major milestone in efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve primary healthcare delivery.
Tabe said the US$1 247 120.52 investment in the new fleet would transform council operations, accelerate critical infrastructure projects and improve service delivery for residents.
“The heavy engineering fleet, which includes an excavator, bulldozer, grader and roller compactor will immediately support road works, stormwater drainage projects, preparations for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo as well as the development and environmental management of the Cambria landfill project,” said Tabe.
He said the acquisition of two Toyota Hilux GD6 single-cab vehicles would also improve the mobility of technical and supervisory teams, enabling them to monitor projects, conduct safety inspections and respond swiftly to engineering emergencies.
Tabe added that the 20-bed facility, funded through ZiG800 417 and US$31 000, would bring essential maternal healthcare services closer to residents.
“The facility would help address the dangers associated with home deliveries while ensuring that women had access to quality antenatal, delivery and postnatal services closer to their communities.”
The developments come as the City of Masvingo continues to position itself to become an industrialised metropolitan city by 2030.
