The residents of Mpheni Village outside Elim are over the moon, following the start of construction of a clinic which they have long been waiting for.

The new clinic, according to the residents, has brought hope to the entire community.

This comes after the residents had been petitioning for the clinic in the village since 2004. After several meetings with the Department of Health and Social Development, the clinic was approved and is now under construction. The acting general manager of health in the Vhembe District, Mr Robert Sirwali, said that his department was committed to ensuring that every resident had an access to health services.

"Health is a priority and we want to ensure that people live a healthy life, all the time," said Sirwali. He added that they had set aside R8.3million for the project.

Members of the community also benefited from employment at the project. The project currently employs 46 residents as temporary workers. The clinic will also include a nurses´ home. Mashilo Construction Company has been appointed to do the project.

The project, which started in May, will be completed around March next year, according to Sirwali.