MARTIN MAWAYA
Shurugwi Town Council has completed several key infrastructural projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery, water supply, and sanitation services, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance residents’ quality of life and meet national development targets.
Town Secretary, Archibald Ncube told The Midweek Watch during the media tour that the recently commissioned Sebanga Polyclinic, which became operational on November 2, 2023, has already transformed healthcare access for residents in the western suburbs and surrounding areas.
“Before the Sebanga Polyclinic was opened, residents used to travel more than five kilometers to access clinic, Antiretroviral (ART), and antenatal services in town, which was costly and time consuming,” said Ncube.
“Now, they only travel less than a kilometer to receive care. This has reduced travel costs, pressure on Shurugwi District Hospital, and even mortality rates.”
Ncube said the clinic is now providing Outpatient Department (OPD) services, ART, PMTCT, Environmental Health Technician (EHT) services, and other general health care services.
He added that the council is now working to equip the maternity section to fully operationalize maternal health care in the area.
The facility was funded through Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and council’s own revenues, with a total expenditure of US$19,624.76.
The central government has deployed medical staff, including an EHT responsible for the catchment area, while the council employed two nurse aides and general hand staff to complement the team.
In addition to health developments, the council completed the Trunk Sewer Line Project, a major sanitation infrastructure valued at US$2.05 million, funded entirely from council’s own resources.
The project benefits wards 5, 10, 11, 12, and Magakooshla, improving hygiene standards, reducing sewer blockages, and minimizing environmental pollution.
“The sewer line project has drastically improved the town’s sanitation systems. It has helped us reduce effluent discharge into the environment, ensuring a cleaner and healthier town,” remarked Ncube.
On the water supply side, Ncube said the Mambowa Nickel Shaft Solarisation Project, completed at a cost of US$72,000, has improved the frequency of water supply, with residents now accessing water daily.
The council also invested US$134,000 in a Dedicated Electricity Power Line Project, which will ensure a consistent power supply to the Manzimdaka Water Treatment Plant and the Impali Pump Station.
Phase one has been completed, while phase two is 98 percent done.
“These water and power projects have greatly improved our water delivery system.
Residents are now receiving water 24 hours a day, which is a major improvement from previous years,” said Ncube.
He added that all these initiatives align with the council’s commitment to achieving Vision 2030 goals through improved service delivery, job creation, and infrastructure development.
“The projects are not only improving the livelihoods of our residents but also creating employment and promoting sustainable development,” Ncube said.
Town Engineer Francis Charamba said the solarized water station is a game changer that now serves more than 250 households.
“We are making significant progress in improving our water supply, as this station also distributes water to our reserve tanks, which in turn supply other wards. This will help ease water shortages during power outages,” he said.
