Political Correspondent
Chief Khulumani Mathema, the traditional leader of Gwanda North, has expressed deep concern over the lack of essential facilities in his jurisdiction, including schools and clinics.
The areas under his leadership, comprising Simbumbumbu, Mapane, Mayezane, Sibhula, and Sizeze villages, face significant challenges in accessing basic services.
Chief Mathema highlighted the scarcity of schools, resulting in children having to travel long distances to attend classes. This not only discourages them from attending school but also hinders their academic performance.
“The lack of schools and clinics in our area is a significant challenge. We have limited schools, and the few we have are not adequately equipped, making it difficult for children to access quality education,” Chief Mathema said.
The existing schools lack adequate resources, including textbooks, and have poor infrastructure, leading to subpar education standards.
Furthermore, the absence of internet connectivity in schools exacerbates the issue, depriving students of access to vital information and hindering their academic progress.
“The schools in our area produce poor results due to these challenges. It’s disheartening to see our children struggling to receive a decent education,” Chief Mathema added.
The situation is equally dire regarding healthcare facilities, with the nearest clinic, Simbumbumbu Clinic, being 12km away from Chief Mathema’s homestead.
The clinic faces shortages of essential medication, putting the lives of community members at risk. Chief Mathema has appealed to the government to intervene and address these pressing concerns, urging them to establish facilities that provide accessible and quality services to the community.
“The clinic lacks adequate medication, putting lives at risk. We urge the government to intervene and bring these essential services closer to us, making them accessible to our community,” Chief Mathema appealed.
The lack of investment in critical infrastructure in rural areas like Gwanda North perpetuates inequality and hinders development.
It is crucial for the government to prioritize the needs of these communities and work towards providing them with the necessary resources and facilities to thrive.
“We cannot continue to neglect the needs of our people. It’s time for the government to take action and provide us with the necessary facilities and resources,” Chief Mathema stressed.
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