Source: New clinic commissioned in Beitbridge – herald
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
GOVERNMENT has been able to boost service delivery in most rural communities through the disbursement of devolution funds and partnerships with development agencies, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has said.
The minister said the commissioning of Tshabili Clinic was a major milestone in the development of the province, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and promoting community development.
He made the remarks recently while commissioning Tshabili Clinic in Ward 1, under Beitbridge Rural District Council.
The clinic was built at a cost of US$210 000 supported by Devolution Funds, the International Organisation for Migration, CAMPFIRE revenues and the Constituency Development Fund.
Additionally, the community provided labour while the Zimbabwe National Army seconded artisans during the construction period.
It is understood that the new clinic will serve thousands of villagers from Tshabili village and surrounding areas, reducing the distance to access healthcare services from 20-29km to 8km.
“This project demonstrates the success of the devolution programme introduced by President Mnangagwa, which has unlocked resources for local authorities to deliver tangible results,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“In addition, the completion of this clinic aligns with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030, which aim to transform Zimbabwe into an Upper Middle-Income Economy.
“The strategic location of the clinic will also strengthen border health security, given Beitbridge’s status as a busy border town”.
He also emphasised the importance of community ownership and involvement in development projects.
The minister said councillors must continue to prioritise the needs of their communities with transparency and accountability, urging traditional leaders to safeguard the community’s values and unity.
He also acknowledged the role of development partners and private sector players in investing in communities.
“Since opening its doors to the public for services on October 12, 2021, people have embraced this clinic wholeheartedly,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“They appreciate the professionalism and compassion of our health staff, and they are grateful that services such as antenatal care, child immunisation, reproductive health, and malaria control are now accessible on foot.
“Mothers no longer have to risk their lives delivering at home, young people can now seek guidance and care without stigma and the elderly can access treatment without walking unbearable distances”.
The minister added that there is need to address drug and substance abuse, which has become a scourge in Zimbabwe, and called for collective efforts to combat this challenge.
He also urged stakeholders to work together to ensure the sustainability of the clinic and other development projects.
Minister Nguluvhe also reiterated the importance of community engagement and involvement in development initiatives.
“His Excellency President Mnangagwa, earlier this year in Bulawayo, launched the Minimum Service Delivery Standard.
“These standards are not abstract documents; they are practical roadmaps to guide councils on the essential services they must provide.
“They are the benchmarks by which we measure progress, hold ourselves accountable and ensure that no community, no matter how remote, is left behind. Tshabili Clinic is a vivid demonstration of these standards in action,” said the Minister.
Former councillor and a resident in the Dite area, Mr Samson Hanyani Ndou, said before the latest development, the nearest health facilities were found at Tshaswingo, Tshituripasi and Dite clinics.
He commended the Government and their development partners for successfully implementing the programme.
Beitbridge RDC acting chief executive officer, Mr Peter Ncube, said the project was completed through a whole-of-government approach.
“This is one of 20 rural health service centres in our area and our ambition is to have at least two clinics per ward and, in some instances, have people walk for less than 15 km to access medical services,” said Mr Ncube.
The International Organisation for Migration’s chief migration health officer to Zimbabwe, Dr Thomas Kalasani, said they had supported the construction of the clinic under the ‘Responding to the immediate and residual post-crisis needs for vulnerable migrants and mobile population groups in Zimbabwe project’.
“This method of embracing community-based planning places the community at the heart of every development effort, ensuring that their unique realities and voices shape the solutions that will ultimately serve them,” said Dr Kalasani.
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