Harare — PLANS are at an advanced stage to construct three clinics in Wedza District to enhance the health delivery system.

In an interview, council chief executive officer Mr Shingirai Kaswaurere said the clinics would be built at Ushe, Makwarimba and Watershed West wards to help villagers who were walking long distances.

"People are walking long distances to the nearest health centre and as council, we have to intervene as it is recommended that the distance between clinics be less than 5km," said Mr Kaswaurere.

Council had also converted a farmhouse at Josi Farm into a clinic and that there were plans to convert two more homesteads in the resettlement areas.

"One has already been inspected by the Ministry of Health and is now awaiting operational approval by the Ministry of Lands," said Mr Kaswaurere.

He lamented that Sango Clinic in Goto ward was still lying idle as it does not have running water, a which is now mandatory under new regulations being enforced by the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare.

Budgeting for the water reticulation has been rendered ineffective by the hyperinflationary environment, while Mukamba Clinic is operational although it does not have electricity and uses borehole water.

The council runs six clinics that are well equipped after receiving a consignment of drugs from the Ministry of Health last year.