Bulawayo residents in Emganwini, Cowdray Park and Matsheumhlope have expressed dismay at the failure by the local authorities to construct clinics in their areas.
Emganwini and Cowdray Park are fairly new high-density suburbs.
Residents who spoke to NewsDay said they had to commute long distances to neighbouring suburbs or to the city centre to access healthcare facilities.
“We have to walk a long distance to Luveve or Emakhandeni clinics, which are the two nearest clinics to us. We need a clinic in Cowdray Park to service us here,” one resident in Cowdray Park said.
In Matsheumhlophe, residents said they were promised a clinic as long ago as 2010 at a government ceremony, but nothing has materialised.
“To date the area where the clinic is expected to be constructed is still idle with no sign of development. This disadvantages us, especially when patients are faced with emergencies,” one resident said.
Contacted for comment Bulawayo mayor Thaba Moyo admitted the situation was a crisis.
“In Emganwini the community has applied for a piece of land to develop a clinic. We know that it is the responsibility of the council to build clinics but where residents are making an effort, we support them. In our budget, we have set aside money for clinics in all areas where there are none,” he said.
