By Simon Masore
ZAKA – September 3 marked a significant milestone in Zaka district with the commissioning of Murerekwa Clinic, whose construction work started in 2007, by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe.
The clinic stands as a beacon of hope for the local community, particularly residents of Ward 08 and surrounding areas who previously had to travel long distances to access healthcare services.
The clinic’s construction began in 2007, initiated by the community’s determination to improve their healthcare.
During the commissioning ceremony, Minister Garwe emphasized the crucial role of councilors in driving development, stating they are the first point of contact for community needs, which then cascade to MPs and the President. He praised the clinic’s fully stocked pharmacy and encouraged people to utilize the facility for regular blood pressure checks.
“I went into the pharmacy, it’s fully stocked, and I got my BP checked. I urge you all to make sure you get checked before you go,” said Garwe.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, also present at the event, jokingly suggested that nurses remove family planning pills to boost the birth rate in the area.
“I have told the nurses to remove all family planning medication in the clinic. We want to make sure we have more children like the sand of the sea. Even the elderly who had given up childbirth, please go and try to utilize this clinic,” said Chadzamira.
Council Chair Fungai Maregedze highlighted the clinic’s benefits, stating it would significantly reduce the distance people travel to access healthcare facilities, especially pregnant women.
Chief Ndanga Born Wilson Makono expressed gratitude to the community for initiating the project and to the council for taking it over, acknowledging the role of MPs in contributing to the clinic through CDF.
“Nowadays, death is mainly caused by BP. We hear someone has collapsed here, another there, but I believe it’s going to be a thing of the past. You now have to come and get your BP checked before you go for a beer drink because you have your own clinic,” said Chief Ndanga.
The completion of Murerekwa Clinic will positively impact approximately 7,323 people, reducing their travel time and costs associated with accessing healthcare services. The clinic is set to benefit people drawn from Ward 08 of Zaka and parts of wards 7, 9, 23, and 34, where several residential stands have been established.
The nearest health facilities were previously Jerera Satellite Clinic (12km) in Ward 19, Gumbo Clinic (10km) in Ward 23, Musiso Hospital (14km) in Ward 19, and Nemauku Clinic (10km) in Ward 34, which were difficult to access due to bad terrain and flooding during the rainy season.
Works at the clinic began in 2007, with the community playing a leading role in mobilizing resources, supported by the Salvation Army Church, CDF, Zaka RDC, and Devolution funds. With the clinic now operational, the community can access essential healthcare services, improving their overall well-being and quality of life.
Over the years, numerous individuals and organizations contributed to the project, including Pastor Captain Zakiyo and Mhembere, former MP. Paradzai Chakona, former Councillor C. Majoni, Coordinator Ward Development Mai Mashanje, Committee led by Joseph Dakwa.
The Ndava family who donated US$450, Mr. James Makiya who donated 100 bags of cement, Ward 8 village heads who donated 8 bags each, former MP Chakona who donated 450 bags, 111 IBR sheets through CDF in 2017.
The District Development Fund 9DDF) provided three builders in 2019, Mr Ziki donated all window frames for the clinic block, Mrs. Madondo 18 door frames, and former MP Davison Svuure donated 50 bags of cement and deformed bars.
The sitting MP who is also the Deputy Minister of Agriculture donated David Marapira provided US$600 for construction of toilets, he also drilled and solarized clinic borehole among other things.
Notable acknowledgement also goes to Mr. Mudziviro who is caretaker since 2013 to date, Councillor Tererai Tererai, Mr Makomeke and the late Cllr Chipato, Mrs Jaricha, and Colonel
Other families that played a role include the Makomeke, and Mudzuri families as well as village heads who raised initial funds where each village in Ward 8 donated 8 bags of cement.
The local authority also commissioned a fire tender, four vehicles, one for the engineer and the other for the planner as well as motorbikes and cellphones for councilors.
