Nkomwa–Nkemeletje Disability Centre Nears Completion as Call for Support Grows

By Staff Reporter

Gwanda: The construction of the Nkomwa–Nkemeletje Disability Centre in Mapate, Gwanda South, has reached a significant milestone, with the main structure now complete. This marks an important step forward in promoting inclusivity and improving access to services for persons with disabilities in rural communities.

The initiative, led by the Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) in collaboration with the Gwanda Rural District Council and the Ward 16 community, has also benefited from vital support from the Australian Embassy–Zimbabwe.

Completion of the primary structure reflects meaningful progress toward establishing a dedicated facility for children and youth with disabilities—one designed to foster dignity, empowerment, and equal opportunities.

Now standing prominently in Mapate, the centre has already become a beacon of hope for the surrounding community. Once fully operational, it is expected to offer essential services within a safe and inclusive environment, particularly for individuals who have long faced marginalisation and limited access to support.

Despite this achievement, stakeholders have highlighted the urgent need to complete the next phase of the project, which includes roofing and finishing works required to make the facility fully functional.

Speaking on the progress, NFT Director Mr. Pick Nkomwa expressed appreciation for the strides made so far and acknowledged the importance of partnerships in driving the project forward.

“We are sincerely grateful for the progress achieved to date. The initial capital injection laid a solid foundation for the project. Although we encountered some delays, we are still within our projected timeline,” he said.

He further emphasised that the project represents more than charity, but a shift toward sustainable and inclusive development.

“This disability centre is a critical investment in inclusive infrastructure. It reflects a transition from a charity-based approach to a rights-based model of empowerment, ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into national development,” he added.

As the project enters a crucial phase, NFT has appealed to well-wishers, development partners, and the corporate sector to support the completion of the first block, particularly through the provision of roofing materials.

“We call upon all stakeholders to assist us in completing this phase, especially by contributing roofing materials,” Mr. Nkomwa said.

Looking ahead, the organisation has outlined plans to expand the centre’s impact through additional infrastructure and sustainable livelihood initiatives. These include income-generating projects such as goat rearing, aimed at strengthening the economic resilience of beneficiaries and their families.

“We anticipate further development once the centre becomes operational. In the near future, we also plan to introduce livelihood projects like goat rearing,” he noted.

Reaffirming their dedication, NFT emphasised its unwavering commitment to completing the project.

“We remain steadfast in our mission—there is no turning back until we realise our vision,” Mr. Nkomwa said.

As the Nkomwa–Nkemeletje Disability Centre edges closer to completion, it stands as a powerful example of community-driven development and collaborative partnerships, offering renewed hope for a more inclusive future in Gwanda South