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Blessings Chidakwa and Heather Charema
CHEGUTU Town Council has set aside $50 000 to complete the construction of the Chinengundu maternity wing, which had stalled for more than a decade. In an interview yesterday, town council chairperson Mr Leo Gwanzura said the project would be complete by month-end. “The project has been idle since 2005,” he said. “As council, we have realised that women are having problems in accessing this service. We set aside $50 000 for the project, which we expect to have been completed by November 30 if the rains do not disturb us.”

Mr Gwanzura said the project was being funded from council’s coffers.

“The project is wholly funded by council through borrowing from estates funds,” he said.

“We did not seek any outside assistance.”

Mr Gwanzura said the opening of the wing would increase revenue inflows for the local authority.

“If completed, council will realise revenue, which will then add to council’s income,” he said.

“All along, council has been losing potential revenue since expectant mothers would go to Chegutu District Hospital for delivery.”

Mr Gwanzura said the completion of Chinengundu Maternity Wing would be a blessing to the community of Chegutu and surrounding areas, as expectant mothers would save costs of travelling to the district hospital.

“Expectant mothers were now forced to go to Chegutu District Hospital, which is a bit far and most of them were struggling with transport costs,” he said.

“We only have two clinics, which l feel arenot enough considering the expansion of the town and our population growth.”

Mr Gwanzura appealed to well- wishers to support the local authority during the completion of the project.