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Paidamoyo Chipunza in Chimanimani
Government is working on constructing permanent structures to replace temporary health posts that were set up in Chimanimani and Chipinge during the Cyclone Idai disaster. This was said by Manicaland provincial medical director Dr Patron Mafaune while briefing journalists on the province’s recovery plan.

She said eight rural health posts would be constructed in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts.

“We are working on setting up permanent structures in all the areas that had temporary health posts, which were set up as an immediate response to the cyclone. Chipinge will have four and Chimanimani four,” said Dr Mafaune.

She said they have since submitted proposals for the facilities to the Ministry of Health and Child Care head offices, which is working on funding for the construction.

Dr Mafaune said refurbishment of damaged infrastructure was at an advanced stage in the affected areas, both in Chipinge and Chimanimani. She said the province had also come up with a budget amounting to US$8,9 million, which involves capacitating health workers in emergency preparedness and response.

“We have already started implementing some of these activities and this week we are having a training of trainers,” said Dr Mafaune. “Supported by the World Health Organisation, this training is aimed at capacitacting health workers in all the seven districts to respond to emergencies. We also understand that there is US$3 million from the World Bank to help us implement that plan.”

In a separate interview, Ms Memory Chimupinyi of Skyline in Chimanimani said establishment of permanent posts would go a long way in alleviating the challenges the communities were facing in accessing health services.  “Currently, we are walking to Chimanimani District Hospital, which is about 10 kilometres from here,” she said.

“Establishment of another facility close to us would be a welcome development, considering the bad state of our roads, which could become impassible once it starts to rain.”

Hundreds of people died while others were injured due to the effects of Cyclone Idai, which made landfall in Zimbabwe on March 15 this year.