Staff Reporter

MARONDERA– Marondera West Constituency’s Ward 18 councilor Tendai Mapisa is playing a leading role in the construction of a clinic at St Matthew’s with the assistance of members from the local community.

Once complete, the clinic will go a long way in improving villagers’ easy access to healthcare services as they are walking long distances to the nearest health facility for essential medical care.

For many years, people from this area and the surrounding villages have been walking for about 15km to Border Church Clinic, which is the one nearby, to receive medical attention.

“This project which we embarked on at St Matthew’s is a direct response to the needs of the community. It is a huge step forward in our efforts to improve healthcare services in the constituency. In this project, we are working closely with local traditional leaders and members of the community who have been providing bricks, sand, cement and at times, free labour.

“What pushed the idea of constructing this clinic is the fact that people have been physically strained whenever they travel to the nearby Border Church clinic to be treated or for medical check-ups. However, this clinic will change the whole narrative,” Cllr Mapisa said.

St Matthew’s clinic is expected to be completed in a few months’ time and will provide a wide range of services that include outpatient care, maternal and child healthcare, and emergency medical services.

In the meantime, Cllr Mapisa appealed for donations to support the initiative.

He said: “We are building this clinic step by step and we want it to be complete before the end of the year. Any donations in the form of building materials, medical equipment and financial assistance is welcome. Our aim is to speed up construction.”