Staff Reporter
Residents of Zishumbe and surrounding villages in Masvingo North Constituency are set to experience improved healthcare following the groundbreaking ceremony of the long-awaited Zishumbe Clinic, held yesterday.
The new facility aims to alleviate the hardships faced by over 5 000 families who currently travel extensive distances to get medical care.
The project was officially launched by Masvingo North Member of Parliament, Brian Mudhumi, who successfully mobilised funding from international partners.
Mudhumi noted that the clinic was first proposed over a decade ago by former legislator Stan Mudhenge but had never progressed beyond planning stages.
“There has long been an urgent need for a healthcare facility in Zishumbe. Although the clinic was earmarked ten years ago, no construction had taken place, forcing residents to seek medical attention as far away as Mutimurefu, Ndanga hospitals, or even Masvingo town. Thanks to the international funding secured, we have finally initiated the project, and residents can soon look forward to accessing medical care within their community,” Mudhumi stated.
The clinic will serve multiple villages, including Zvido, Mara, Musanengwe, and Mazare, significantly cutting travel times and improving accessibility to vital healthcare services.
Women in particular stand to benefit immensely, as many have previously endured challenging circumstances related to maternal health.
Mary Mupambi, a resident of Mazare Village, expressed relief over the development, noting, “Many women here have faced life-threatening situations during childbirth, sometimes even delivering babies along the journey to distant hospitals. This clinic will truly save lives.”
Beyond providing healthcare, the Zishumbe Clinic project is set to foster local economic development through job creation and skills training.
Mshagashe Training Centre has been contracted to lead construction, involving local youth in the building process.
Participants will receive training and official certification, significantly enhancing their future employment prospects.
“We have engaged Mshagashe Training Centre to provide practical training to local youths during the construction phase. These young people will receive valuable skills and certification, empowering them economically,” explained Mudhumi.
Additionally, nurse aides and midwives from the community will be considered for employment at the clinic, further promoting local job opportunities.
As construction gets underway, the Zishumbe community eagerly anticipates enhanced healthcare access and economic empowerment through this vital and long-overdue development.
