For years, nearly 25 000 residents of Ward 6 in Mwenezi North Constituency and neighbouring parts of Chivi travelled up to 40 kilometres to access healthcare at Rutenga, Neshuro and Lundi health facilities.
The long journeys exposed pregnant women, children, older persons and people living with chronic illnesses to significant health risks, undermining their constitutional right to healthcare as guaranteed under Section 76 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Construction of Petronella Clinic, which began in 2017, stalled for years due to funding constraints and the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving communities without a nearby health facility.
The situation changed through the intervention of Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (Cotrad), which empowered young men and women with social accountability and evidence-based advocacy skills.
Through community structures established in Ward 6, youth engaged local authorities, traditional leaders and residents to advocate for the completion of the clinic while raising awareness of citizens’ constitutional right to healthcare.
Cotrad also facilitated dialogue between community members, the Mwenezi Rural District Council, councillors and government representatives, promoting transparency, accountability and collaboration.
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The organisation further helped revive village development committees and ward development committees, enabling communities to participate actively in local development planning and monitor progress.
Working alongside traditional leaders, young people mobilised residents and organised a petition urging government to prioritise the completion of Petronella Clinic.
Community support proved instrumental to the project’s success. Chief Chitanga, village heads and local residents contributed labour and resources valued at about US$24 000, helping complete the clinic after years of delays.
Speaking at the official commissioning, Mwenezi North Member of Parliament Master Makope described the clinic as a major milestone in improving healthcare access for previously underserved communities.
Now operational, Petronella Clinic has significantly reduced travel distances for thousands of residents in Mwenezi North and neighbouring parts of Chivi.
However, the facility still requires additional medical equipment, medicines and essential supplies to operate at full capacity.
Plans are also in place to establish more health facilities, including Maryview Clinic in Ward 6, Chikwalakwala Clinic in Ward 4, Pambe and Murau clinics in Ward 3, and Matande Clinic in Ward 1, further expanding access to quality healthcare across the constituency.