THE ZANU PF Vice President and Second Secretary, Kembo Mohadi, has commended the
Masvingo City Council efforts at ensuring efficient health service delivery to its residents.
He said the effort by the local authority in the reduction of distances to access the nearest
clinic was in line with the dictates of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Speaking during the official opening of the Northwest Medical Clinic in the Ancient City’s
Runyararo West high-density suburb, which was built by the local authority using devolution
funds, Mohadi said the establishment of the clinic expected to service at least 30 000 Victoria
Ranch and Runyararo West resident was in sync with Vision 2030.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today I also had the opportunity to officially open the Northwest
Medical Centre. This initiative by the City of Masvingo is highly appreciated. This medical
centre is the fourth clinic in Masvingo City, but will soon be developed into a polyclinic for it
shall be offering maternal health services including deliveries of new-borns.
“The medical centre was constructed using devolution funds and internal revenue from the
local authority. It is very exciting to note that Masvingo City Council has managed to adhere
to the call of His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe that Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo.”
He urged the local authority to maintain the momentum it has set considering health services
were central to the achievement of Vision 2030.
“I am made to understand that the health facility will cater for the residents of Runyararo,
Victoria Ranch and other adjacent suburbs whose inhabitants were being forced to travel long
distances to Runyararo and Mucheke clinics.
“The NDS 1 is clear that every Zimbabwean must be able to access a clinic within a radius of
5km in the urban areas and this new facility has assisted in the reduction of the access
distance to 3km for the furthest houses in the jurisdiction of Masvingo City Council.”
Meanwhile, in the drive to curb drug abuse in the city, the local authority has employed a
mental health nurse stationed at the newly commissioned clinic.
“It is also good to note that council has responded positively to the current drug abuse
situation, with the employment of a mental health nurse who is stationed at the Northwest
Medical Centre. Let us utilise this service as a measure to reduce the effects of substance
abuse.
“I also urge the council to develop strategies to reduce substance abuse in the youth, for
prevention is better than cure. Allow me to congratulate Masvingo City Council for this very
noble initiative.”
Mohadi said projects implemented by council should be a direct response to the needs of the
community.