Zimpapers Logo

Heather Charema in CHEGUTU
CHEGUTU Rural District Council (RDC) has started constructing a state-of-the-art clinic in Ward 26 at Courburn Estates, Gulnabor Farm, using $3,4 million it was allocated under devolution.

Chegutu RDC, which has a budget of $2 804 196 for the project, has so far spent $650 000 on building materials and labour.

In an interview last week, Chegutu RDC chief executive Mr Dan Zvobgo said the project included staff accommodation and an expecting mothers’ shelter.

“We signed the contract with the supplier of building materials on Friday and we already have builders on-site who are clearing the area,” he said.

“We are hoping that anytime this week we will start building the clinic.

“Our RDC has so far used at least $650 000 on building material and labour. The total value of our project is $2 804 196 and we want it to be a modern standard clinic with staff accommodation and an expecting mothers’ shelter.”

Mr Zvobgo said the RDC had prioritised Ward 26 because it was the farthest from health care facilities, with patients having to walk close to 45 kilometres to reach the nearest clinic.

“The prioritisation of this particular ward was not done randomly, but council had to choose the farthest area,” he said.

“The nearest clinic in this area is Musunami Clinic, which is about 45 kilometres away.”

Mr Zvobgo said the RDC was abiding by its policy that there should be a clinic in every ward.

Chegutu RDC currently has 18 functional clinics – Mafuti, Brunswick, Tasunungurwa, Dombwe, Homdale, Chivero, Sandringham, Glenluce, Watyoka, Chikara, Rwizi, Mupawose, Mupfure, Lismore, Selous, Chegutu, Mhondoro North, Fanharm and Danangwe, which is still under construction.