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Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Chiredzi Rural District Council has stepped up efforts towards reopening Mkwasine Estate Clinic which was closed late last year when Tongaat Hullets pulled out its operations in the area. The clinic — with a capacity to serve more than 20 000 people in the malaria area — is one of the facilities abandoned after the sugarcane processor seized operations in the area. Other facilities include a golf club, country club and other amenities that are lying obsolete. Chiredzi RDC chief executive Mr Isaac Matsilele yesterday said council was acting with speed on renovating the clinic and was waiting delivery of most equipment from suppliers as the sugar milling giant packed everything when they left.

“We have been given the green light by the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement to be the responsible authority at Mkwasine Estate Clinic,” he said.
“Judging by the huge population which the clinic saved before, we are working hard so as to resume operations as soon as possible.” He said rehabilitating of the clinic was on schedule. Mkwasine Clinic Steering committee chairman Colonel (Rtd.) Dennis Masomere said farmers had been forced to travel over 34km to seek medical care in Chiredzi.

“Most farmers have been complaining over the closure of the clinic. Pressure has been high at Pore Pore Clinic which is about 7km from Mkwasine Clinic. This forced farmers to travel about 34km to seek medical care at Chiredzi General Hospital. This facility was offering a critical service and we want it back,” he said. Col (Rtd.) Masomere, who is also the chairman of the Mkwasine Sugarcane Farmers Association, said council should also look at rehabilitating the facilities abandoned when Tongaat Hullet moved from the area. He said the farmers could also take charge of the abandoned facilities.