Chitungwiza Residents Disappointed By Slow Vaccination Progress

By Lloyd Takawira

Council clinics in Chitungwiza are only vaccinating fifty (50) people per day much to the disappointment of residents.

This is despite government pushing the national vaccination program with an aim to vaccinate over 90% of the population.

As Covid-19 cases increase, Chitungwiza residents have complained over the slow pace of the vaccination program by their local health facilities .

The arrival of the new Covid-19 vaccines and rise in confirmed cases and deaths has created the urge for vaccination among citizens who are now flocking in numbers for the vaccination shots.

On a visit to the council clinics in Chitungwiza this reporter witnessed chaos with residents up in arms with the local authority run clinics staff who they feel are frustrating the vaccination drive.

At St Mary’s clinic, one resident, Timothy Musademba has been turned away several times with the clinic staff informing him that they vaccinate only 50 people a day.

“I come here to the clinic on Tuesday, l was told stories. Today I am told that we only vaccinate 50 people per day.”

For 26 year old Faith Dhamani , of Zengeza 3 , the only chance for her to be vaccinated is during the weekend however she failed to get the jab.

“I’m here at Zengeza 3 clinic to get vaccinated but as you can see they have closed. They said they are only vaccinating 50 people per day. Look at the numbers who are here.”

A similar situation was at Seke Unit L clinic where multitudes could be seen milling around the council clinic.

On of the council staff who spoke to Bustop TV said they were operating under a directive from their superiors and there was staff shortage at most clinics.

“Ini ndozvidiiwo, we are short staffed here so l only work for my time.”

Contacted for comment Chitungwiza municipality Acting town clerk, Evengelisto Machona promised to investigate the matter.

A further investigation by this reporter, revealed that council health staff were demanding bribes from people who wanted to get inoculated.

A resident told this reporter that she had had to fork out US$5 to be vaccinated.