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Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
Zanu-PF parliamentary candidate for Shurugwi South Cde Edmund Mukaratigwa has mobilised a team of doctors to offer free medical services and treatment to people in his constituency. In an interview in Shurugwi, Cde Mukaratigwa said improved health services for rural people was one of his key priority areas, particularly increased access to health services to the elderly, underprivileged people and the vulnerable.

He said he was expecting a team of experts in various medical fields to come to Shurugwi next week to offer free health services including surgeries, oral health, optical health and various chronic ailments.

Cde Mukaratigwa said there was also need to improve the standards of clinics and access to medicine in Shurugwi.
“I have realised that most people in rural areas particularly Shurugwi where I come from have no much access to health services,” he said.

“The biggest challenge is the shortage of drugs and also the money to pay for health services. This is one of my key priority areas if I become the Member of Parliament for Shurugwi South.

“However, I have liaised with a team of doctors so that they come to Shurugwi to offer free health services and medication for two days. This is a mining community and people are prone to diseases such as tuberculosis and they are not screened regularly. So, the doctors will perform operation if there is need,” he said.

Cde Mukaratigwa said there were developmental projects that are lined up in Shurugwi including improving the road infrastructure, particularly the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road, which is one of the busiest roads in the gold mining district.
He said most mining companies exporting their mineral products use the highway, yet it is in a dilapidated state and has become a death trap.

“The biggest challenge that we have in Shurugwi is the poor road infrastructure,” he said.
“The state of Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road is devastating. A lot of accidents have occurred along the road because there are so many depressions and potholes.

“That is the busiest road that we have. Most cross border haulage trucks and buses use that road. So we want to reduce accidents along that road.”
Cde Mukaratigwa expressed confidence that Zanu-PF will win resoundingly. He said campaigns have been going on peacefully.