Hi, I’m Mlamlankunzi Nkomo, I’m fundraising for Ngomambi community under chief Madliwa in Nkayi District ward 5, in Zimbabwe to build a clinic. The community was granted permission to build a community funded clinic on 6th July 2023. The compelling reason for the community to embark on the project is because of the uniqueness of the location of the area, which has on occasions resulted in unnecessary losses of life or medical complications, due to lack of easily accessible medical facilities. The area is located in between two rivers; Shangani and Gwelo, with no bridges to enable crossing during rainy season to access medical facilities either at Dakamela or Gwelutshena. The only other clinic is located at Nesikwe, which is quite a distance, with some people having to travel over 20km to access, but again that facility can become inaccessible during the rainy season due to dangerous terrain, which includes flooded streams and tributaries. There has been a number of incidents that have resulted in people losing their lives due inaccessibility of medical facilities.

Progress

• The community has started work on the construction project, they have cleared the site where the clinic is to be constructed moulded bricks, completed laying of the foundations and will soon move onto the slab level.

• through the Ngomambi community development members contributions and various fundraising activities 270 bags cement and other materials were purchased. Local villagers under supervision of the elected committee provided materials like river sand, gravel, water and labour. There is need for materials to progress the project further.

• There is a steering committee with 12 committee members. All traditional leaders and the sitting councillor are part of the committee as ex-officio members.

• The committee is working with all relevant and key government stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient use of resources and also to come up with a sound structure that is compliant with the regulatory requirements

• Transparency is key to the success of the project and therefore the committee extensively consults the community and other stakeholders before making key decisions.

Completion of the project will greatly improve the quality of life of the residents, improve children mortality rate and save lives.