By Norman Mwale
Gokwe Sasame legislator Madron Matiza has pledged to facilitate the construction of a clinic in Ward 11, where residents reportedly travel long distances to access basic health services.
Matiza made the pledge on Friday during a community health engagement at KTN Kudakwashe T. Nemangwe Business Shop, where residents, traditional leaders and health workers gathered for discussions on HIV and maternal health.
“We are building a clinic for our ward. No mother should walk 15 kilometres in labour and no child should miss treatment because the facility is too far,” Matiza said.
He did not provide details on the project’s cost, funding arrangements or expected construction timeline.
Matiza also announced that he had lobbied for the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to establish a collection point in the constituency, which he said would bring services closer to farmers who previously had to travel to Gokwe Town.
The developments were announced as health workers urged residents to make use of available HIV testing and treatment services.
Health promotion officer Tendai Muhloro encouraged residents to undergo regular HIV testing, saying early diagnosis enabled people living with HIV to access treatment.
“Some people are living with HIV unknowingly. Testing is free, treatment is available and early knowledge saves lives. Let us remove stigma and support each other,” Muhloro said.
He also urged pregnant women to attend antenatal care and give birth at health facilities to reduce the risk of complications.
“A safe delivery is a right, not a chance. Our mothers and babies deserve professional care,” Muhloro said.
The engagement also included discussions on HIV prevention, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and maternal nutrition.
Traditional leaders who attended the meeting welcomed the proposed clinic, while some residents expressed willingness to support the project through community participation.
The clinic pledge comes amid broader calls for improved access to health services in rural communities, where distance to health facilities can affect access to timely care.
Matiza urged residents to work together in supporting development initiatives in the constituency.
“A healthy community is a productive community. If we love one another and work together, Ward 11 will be a model for Gokwe Sasame and for Zimbabwe,” he said.
