… Unused building material disappearing
Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – Government through the Ministries of Health and Child Care and Public Works and National Housing hijacked a community clinic project in Zaka and later dumped it midway a development that has seen some unused bricks at the centre being stolen by the public.
The Mbuyamaswa clinic project in ward 9 of Zaka Central constituency was started around 2017 and about 500 bags of cement for the construction of the same clinic bought through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) dried up rendering them unusable after being kept in a local facility for a long time.
However, government through the two ministries took over the construction of the clinic in 2021 and completed the superstructure only to dump the project at that stage and until now, no progress has been registered.
Since last year community members have been complaining over the slow pace at which the project was moving as other clinics like Four Miles which was started at the same time with Mbuyamaswa are only waiting for commissioning.
Local councilor Moses Mutandavari confirmed the project’s delay and said it was now a challenge for him as the community keeps on asking him what the actual position is of which he has no answers to them. He went on to say if the situation continues like, that material will be completely vandalized.
“I am not sure when the project will continue since it was stopped last year and if you want to know more about the progress check with the Ministry of Public Works. I am equally worried over the project as it has become a cause of concern as the community continues to pester me over the matter,” said Mutandavari.
He said the structure was roofed but is yet to be plastered both internal and external walls as well as flooring and other touch ups saying in the staff quarters two houses were at footing level.
“The structure is complete but yet to be plastered both in and outside as well as floors and ceiling. Two staff houses are at footing stage. There is no security at the site and people could be stealing bricks as we speak and I cannot monitor because I stay a distant from the place,” said Mutandavari
Contacted for comment, Zaka District Medical Officer Doctor Mutero Mupereki said the project was stalled because of funds but said some funds were released recently and work could resume anytime but referred questions for finer details to Public Service.
“Treasury released funds into Public Works Department for the completion of Mbuyamaswa. The department is now busy with planning and construction of the clinic will be resuming soon. For more information contact public works,” said Mupereki.
Masvingo Provincial Public Works Director Peter Muzite could not give a comment on the matter as he said he wanted to consult his bosses first but later on failed to answer calls.
“I have to consult my bosses first and will get back to you by end of day,” said Muzite
Zaka Central Legislator Davison Svuure said he was equally worried about the slow pace at which the project was moving but said he had received information about the release of some funds towards the project that could resume soon.
