Ten-year wait for reconstruction of Dongamuzi Clinic leaves community disheartened

Thembelihle Mhlanga

Lupane, Zimbabwe – The long-awaited reconstruction of the dilapidated Dongamuzi Clinic has become a source of frustration for the local community, as ten years have passed since well-wishers and diaspora members pledged support for the project.

Initially managed by the Kusile Rural District Council, the clinic was later taken over by the government, which promised budget allocations for its reconstruction. However, these promises have yet to materialize, leaving villagers in a state of disillusionment.

Steven Mnkandla, the former councilor for Dongamuzi ward, expressed his concerns regarding the clinic’s current state. “It is disheartening to see our community relying on a nurse’s cottage for medical services,” he stated. “The clinic was supposed to be a beacon of hope for our people, but instead, it has become a symbol of neglect.”

Villagers have repeatedly voiced their disappointment over the lack of action.

Ntado Dube of Hlalani village shared his concerns, saying, “The situation is dire. We feel marginalized and forgotten. For ten years, we have been waiting for the government to fulfill its promises, but nothing has changed.”

Marylen Moyo, another resident, highlighted the specific challenges faced by women in the community. “It is so hard for us to get proper services for women because the building the clinic now operates from is not conducive,” she explained. “We need a safe and private space for healthcare, especially for issues related to women’s health.”

The clinic’s inadequate facilities have forced residents to travel long distances to access healthcare, often resulting in delayed treatment.

“Many of us cannot afford to travel to the nearest hospital, which is miles away,” Moyo added. “We rely on this clinic, and its poor condition is putting our lives in danger.”

Despite the community’s efforts to advocate for the clinic’s reconstruction, progress has been painfully slow.

Mnkandla emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “The government must prioritize the health of its citizens. We cannot continue to operate in such dire conditions. It is time for them to take responsibility and deliver on their promises.”

The situation at Dongamuzi Clinic reflects a broader issue of healthcare access in rural Zimbabwe, where many communities face similar challenges.

As the ten-year mark approaches, the residents of Dongamuzi remain hopeful yet skeptical about the future of their clinic.

“We want to believe that change is coming, but we have been let down too many times,” Dube remarked. “All we ask for is a safe and functional clinic where we can receive the care we need.”

As the community continues to advocate for their healthcare needs, the call for action grows louder. The residents of Dongamuzi are determined to ensure that their voices are heard, hoping that their long wait for a reconstructed clinic will soon come to an end.