Access to primary healthcare in Zaka has greatly improved following the establishment of two new clinics, fully equipped with hospital beds, maternity facilities and consistent supplies of essential medicines. The upgraded infrastructure is not only reducing long and costly journeys for villagers but is also accelerating progress toward universal health coverage.
For residents like Ms Garikai Mabambe, the difference is life-changing. She can now walk to Murerekwa Clinic after completing her household and field chores and still arrive by midday. Once there, she is attended to within 20 minutes — a major shift from the previous reality of travelling long distances and spending hours in queues.
“The clinic is helping us a lot as a community. I wanted my BP checked and treatment for my baby. Now I can come in the afternoon because the clinic is nearby, and we are confident we will get the services we need,” she said.
Other villagers share the same sense of relief. Mr Tarwirei Zhou said the new facilities have restored convenience and dignity.
“Before this clinic was built, we travelled to Ndanga or Jerera and paid a lot in transport. It was difficult, and maternal deaths were high. Now this development is a major relief, and we appreciate the good staff,” he said.
A community member added that the clinics come with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a mother’s shelter, nurses’ accommodation and reliable borehole water that also benefits surrounding households.
Both Murerekwa and Chiromo Clinic, constructed under the devolution programme, recently received a further boost after Tongaat Huletts donated medical supplies and hospital beds worth US$60,000.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility, we support education, health and sport. This donation strengthens healthcare delivery following a request from the Zaka district,” said Dr Delia Garwe, Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe’s Corporate and Industry Affairs Executive.
Local leadership has welcomed the developments, celebrating the fulfilment of a long-awaited dream.
“As a district, we are happy with this development. These clinics are playing a key role in serving the Zaka community. Our goal is improved access to rural healthcare,” said Dr Anesu Mukachana, Zaka District Medical Officer.
Murerekwa Clinic, which opened in September, is already attending to 40–50 patients daily. Clinic In-Charge Gwanyanya Kudakwashe noted that the additional resources will further enhance service efficiency.
The ongoing expansion of health infrastructure across Zimbabwe underscores the Second Republic’s commitment to delivering accessible, quality healthcare to every citizen, particularly in rural communities.
