Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI-The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) recently handed over state of the art Neromwe Health Centre in Chief Neromwe’s area, which was completed three years after his installation in 2019.
The hand-over event was attended by Chief Neromwe and neighbouring Chiefs Gudo and Chilonga as part of Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) week-long dedication to help communities prior to the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays set for August 8 and 9.
The AFZ pledged in 2019 to construct a Rural Health Centre in Chief Neromwe’s kingdom after their plight in accessing health services became public knowledge though it was derailed by the effects of Covid-19 as most of their partners were not able to help.
In his address, AFZ commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo said they did not take time to mobilize resources after they found out that the nearest clinic to the community was almost 80 kilometres and thus difficulty to access for pregnant mothers and those seriously ill.
“The Air Force of Zimbabwe was made aware of the plight of the Neromwe community here in accessing health services mainly because the nearest clinic was located more than 80 km from the community. Without waiting to ascertain the availability of resources, the Air Force of Zimbabwe made a commitment to construct a clinic for the community based on the spirit of ‘ubuntu’ as the organization is part of the community, hence we have a moral responsibility to assist the disadvantaged and underprivileged within our society,” said Moyo.
He said the handover came in a community assistance week which precedes the Zimbabwe Defence Forces day celebrations as it helped them strengthen ties with the communities they serve.
“This handover of the clinic to Neromwe community is being held during the week dedicated by the ZDF to assist communities across the country. The community assistance week precedes the ZDF day celebrations and it is an opportunity for us to renew our unbreakable ties with the communities where we all come from. The ZDF will forever remain a people’s force committed to serving the people of Zimbabwe,” he added.
The official handover was graced by the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira as well as two Chiredzi Chiefs Gudo and Chilonga.
During the installation of Chief Neromwe, all Chiredzi Chiefs boycotted the event as they stood in solidarity with the aggrieved Chief Tshovani over territorial disputes hence their boycott was believed to be a sign of bad blood among the traditional leaders in question.
The Air Force of Zimbabwe left its medical team to assist the community during this community assistance week while the Premier Services Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) left a donation of eight hospital beds including maternity beds and some other necessary furniture needed at the clinic.
