PAMELA MACHIDHA
MIDWEEK REPORTER
ZVISHAVANE- A New clinic is that will serve over 1 600 villagers is under construction in Ukusvo, Ward 10 under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane.
Presently, villagers are walking for about 8km, some 15km and 12km to get to the nearest health facility under Chief Masunda and the construction of the clinic will make life easier for them.
In line with President Mnangagwa’s Mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, the clinic is being constructed by a well-wisher Temba Chakawa as a part of corporate social responsibility.
Villagers in ward 10 praised Chakawa for taking up the responsibility of building a community clinic.
Melissa Musingafi from ward 10 told The Midweek Watch that the clinic will alleviate their plight in the area.
“Words are not enough to express my joy, this development will be a game changer for the villagers as the community will access medical services nearer their homes. Walking long distance of 8km to Mabasa Clinic is very hard for us,” said Musingafi.
“If a family member falls sick, we are forced to use scotch carts to travel to Mabasa Clinic to get medical assistance, those with vehicles charge exorbitant amounts for hiring. However, we thank our own child Mr Chakawa who fulfilled our dreams,” added Musingafi.
Taruona Matambo, an elderly man (70) from Vaka village said the community was losing their loved ones before reaching to the nearest clinic.
” Am grateful with such development from the Good Samaritan for building the clinic for us. Elders like us are now accessing health care on our doorstep. In the Proverbs 22.9 says “Happy are generous people they give some of their food to the poor, Mwari vamuropafadze wanunura isu harahwa paagona kutandavadza ruoko rwake”.
Village health worker in the area, Silvia Taruvinga said, once the clinic become operational, walking for long distance to a nearby clinic will be a thing of the past.
“People have seen walking for long distance, some were giving birth along the way. It is very difficult to help someone who gives birth by the road side and the clinic has come at the right time.
“Charity begins at home, we are appealing to our young children to follow the route of Chakawa, we need to see more development in our community,” said Taruvinga.
According to WHO standards, people should not walk more than 8km to access the nearest primary health facilities.
