By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
CONSTRUCTION of Mabidi Clinic in Beitbridge has reached the plastering stage, with the local authority targeting to complete the project by December this year.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, the Municipality of Beitbridge Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta expressed optimism that the health facility would be completed within the set timeframe, although he noted that a shortage of roofing materials remained a challenge.
“Mabidi Clinic is now at the plastering stage, and we are hoping that by December everything will be done. We have some roofing materials like timber, but we do not have roofing sheets,” said Mafuta.
He appealed to the business community to assist with the outstanding roofing materials to accelerate construction and ensure that the facility is completed within the anticipated timeframe.
“We are kindly calling on the business community to assist with the remaining roofing materials so that we can roof our clinic, speed up the process and reduce the distance travelled by residents in the medium-density community seeking medical assistance,” he said.
The clinic project, which commenced in 2023, had been progressing slowly due to limited resources, with the latest developments marking progress towards its completion.
Earlier this year, Beitbridge East Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe donated 100 bags of cement and 20,000 bricks through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to support the ongoing construction works.
The donation is believed to have contributed significantly to the progress of the project, which is now at an advanced stage of construction.
Once completed, Mabidi Clinic is expected to improve access to healthcare services for residents of Ward 3, and decongest Beitbridge District Hospital to access medical assistance.
The establishment of the clinic is expected to reduce travelling distances for residents while bringing essential healthcare services closer to the community.
With construction now at the plastering stage, the availability of the remaining roofing materials will be crucial in helping the municipality meet its December completion target.