The Ngwana community in Plumtree under the banner Bana Bengwana Development Trust (BBDT) are spearheading development projects in their area in a bid to promote self-sustenance.
The local community working with others based abroad have formalised the association by registering a trust in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
The community is riding on the philosophy, “If you want development in your area, Take part in it and do as much as you can”.
Some of their priority areas include the rehabilitation of a dam, construction of a clinic, equipping a local school and taking care of the welfare of the needy in the community.
In an interview with CITE, one of the community members in the forefront of the development projects, Lucky Moyo said the villagers working with those based in the diaspora usually fundraise to buy the needed resources.
Moyo said the community has managed to build a community clinic to ensure community members access primary healthcare closer to them.
“A few years ago, the community embarked on a journey of building a community health centre/clinic and what seemed like a distant dream is now a reality. The main structure of the clinic is done now awaiting painting and plumbing,” said Moyo.
“The first cottage which was the original building at the site is all painted and already in use for some outreach programs. The other cottage is all done awaiting just painting, and there is a third cottage which is now at window level. As of this week, we are working on installing a ceiling and hope that the clinic will be commissioned in December.”
He said the community also managed to add another classroom block at Ngwana primary school.
“The community managed to build one classroom block at one of the schools and we bought benches, equipment and books,” said Moyo.
The school also received a borehole with a 5000 litres water tank, musical instruments, and Information Technology equipment.”
He added that the community has also worked on improving their water source.
“As a community, we have just finished fencing the whole dam after having rehabilitated the spillage way which was very badly broken.”
The community also organises the annual Ngwana festival which is “meant to revive and promote the local language, heritage, get people together and to raise funds for all the local programs and projects.”
Those willing to learn more and donate towards the cause can go to www.banabengwanadtrust.com
