The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Correspondent
DEVOLUTION funds disbursed by Government have proven to be what the doctor rightfully prescribed to Chimanimani District where the local authority has upgraded its health service delivery system in-line with Vision 2030 of an upper-middle class economy.
Since 2019, Chimanimani Rural District Council (RDC) has received a total of $25. 5 million as devolution funds from Government and to date, the RDC has utilised $19.5m, leaving a balance of $6m which is fully committed.
Chimanimani RDC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nehemiah Deure in an interview with The Manica Post, said the local authority allocated $4 million towards better health delivery services to three different health facilities that serve 15 000 villagers by constructing Rupise Hot Springs Clinic, renovating Mhakwe Clinic and constructing staff quarters at Saziya Satellite Clinic.
Prior to the construction of the clinic, community members in Hot Springs and surrounding villages would either travel to Chakohwa, which is about 13,4km or to Nyanyadzi which is 16,3km away respectively to access health services.
“The long distances were a burden to the elderly, children, pregnant women and women in general. They would walk there due to financial constraints.
“The clinic is in Ward Five and the whole construction process totalled $3 492 293,35. The project was done through a contractor and it is now at an advanced stage of completion. It will cater for a population of a little over 10 000 villagers,” he said.
He said the commissioning and opening of Rupise Hot Springs Clinic will result in improved access to health services in Chimanimani District, which is one of the council’s mandates.
“One of our core mandates as a local authority which is also in line with Government’s Vision 2030 of an upper middle class economy is the provision of adequate health services. With the devolution funds and among other successful projects, Chimanimani RDC is striving to provide suitable access to health services to every inhabitant of the district,” he said.
Mr Deure said with part of the devolution funds, major renovations were done at Mhakwe Clinic in Ward 18.
The renovations include roofing, painting and plumbing which were funded to the tune of $240 601.
Mhakwe Clinic services over 3 000 villagers and the health facility compliments the nearby Biriiri Mission Hospital.
“We also constructed a semi-detached house for our nursing staff at Saziya Satellite Clinic. The nurses are now occupying the house. This building was constructed at a cost of $281 000,” he said.
The building improves the nurses’ living welfare, hence increased and efficient health delivery and access to the community of Chimanimani District.
In a statement released recently, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, said good use of the devolution funds will promote balanced socio-economic development across the country.
It stated that Government during the first half of this year disbursed a total of $2.2 billion to provincial and local authorities for implementation of various projects consistent with the thrust of promoting inclusive and balanced socio-economic development in the country.
It outlined that Manicaland Provincial Council received $8.7m, while local authorities received a little over $200 million.
In 2021, Chimanimani RDC received $9,4 million.
