The Sunday News
Mthabisi Tshuma in Zimnyama, Mangwe
VILLAGERS in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South have started to build a clinic which was initially proposed in 1956.
The clinic, located at Zimnyama Village was initially proposed during the colonial era but even after independence in 1980, numerous efforts to construct the structure failed to materialise.
Even the Zimbabwe National Army under its community projects also tried to provide builders but the project was abandoned due to failure to source building material.
However, last year Bulilima West Member of Parliament Cde Dingumuzi Phuti initiated a campaign to fundraise for its construction.
Mangwe Rural District Council provided more than $500 000 drawn from the Devolution Fund allocated by central Government.
Other materials that have been acquired include bricks, pit sand, river sand, brickforce and cement. So far, the foundation slab of the clinic has been built by students from Avoca Vocational Training Centre and work is set to resume on Tuesday.
Speaking at a local leadership meeting to map the way forward in building the clinic at the proposed site last week, Ward Two councillor, Benjamin Ndlovu said they have selected four qualified builders for the project.
“We have taken it upon ourselves as villagers to ensure the clinic is built on time and we have interviewed builders from around the area and selected four qualified ones from a target of five. Villagers drawn from Mapulula 1, Mapulula 2, Sikhulu 1, Sikhulu 2, Sikhulu 3, Sosombane and Vaka villages will provide manpower. Each village will work on different days starting on Tuesday so that we make sure that we adhere to the lockdown measures and health precautions as advised by relevant authorities,” said Clr Ndlovu.
Mangwe District Disabled Persons chairperson who is also the disabled persons provincial organising secretary Mr Edward Masisi said there is a need to include people with disabilities in the construction of the clinic. In response, Cde Phuti hailed the community for standing up to enhance development in their lives.
“Standing up is a good thing that you have done and is what should drive many people in the constituency so that we achieve and make developmental projects that benefit the community.
“Clinics are community driven and such unity is a clear example that it is time the clinic which was proposed in 1956 be built,” said Cde Phuti. – @mthabisi_mthire.
