By Rex Mphisa
COMMUNITY development projects can only be successful if beneficiaries actively participate in them to create a sense of ownership, Matabeleland South Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said on Monday.
He said when residents take ownership of projects in their respective areas these are likely to succeed and infrastructure will be safeguarded.
Nguluvhe was speaking during his handover of 20 000 bricks and 100 bags of cement for Urban Beitbridge Ward 3 Mabidi Clinic north of HaMangavha Shopping Centre in Beitbridge.
The donation was funded through Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“Active participation by the community in these projects can only make them better. The community must take ownership. This is a symbol of hope and progress,” said Nguluvhe.
“Today’s programme reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development under the devolution agenda. Through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), we are empowering local communities to identify and address their most pressing needs.”
“The construction of this clinic stands as a testament to what can be achieved when Government, local authorities, and communities work together with a shared vision. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and no citizen should be left behind due to distance or lack of facilities.”
He said the Mabidi Clinic will bring healthcare services closer to the people of this area. It will reduce travel distances, ease the burden on existing health institutions, and improve response times in emergencies.
The clinic will also contribute to reduced maternal and child mortality Improved disease prevention and management and enhanced overall community well-being while the project aligned with Government’s national development priorities and Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society.
Nguluvhe also laid out the role of Devolution and CDF saying it is about about taking development to the people and ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and that communities have a direct say in their development priorities.
“The Constituency Development Fund is one of the key tools enabling this transformation. It allows us, as elected representatives, to respond directly to the needs of our constituents in a practical and impactful way.”
Nguluvhe commended the Beitbridge East Constituency Development Fund Committee and all stakeholders involved for prioritising the clinic project he said was important in the community.
He said while Government and its partners provide resources, the sustainability of the clinic will depend on the community itself.
“I urge residents to take ownership of this facility and safeguard it against vandalism and support healthcare workers to be deployed there.”
“Development is most successful when communities are active participants, not just beneficiaries. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa , the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, The Municipality of Beitbridge for their collaboration, The Constituency Development Fund Committee for their dedication, All stakeholders and partners who contributed to this initiative,” he said.
Beitbridge Director of Engineering Services Douglas Siphuma said the donation was timely and the project would be completed before year end.
“We started this project a long time back around 2023 and financial constraints affected its early completion. It will serve Mabidi, Siyoka, Milayo industrial areas. We are happy to receive this donation. All other materialis there and we are now going to complete this project,” said Siphuma