Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza [email protected]
THE construction of a mothers’ shelter at the Nyamandlovu District Hospital is nearing completion, a move expected to allow pregnant women from remote villages to stay closer to healthcare services up to six weeks before delivery and prevent life-threatening delays.
The shelter is expected to serve scores of pregnant women at a time.
In an interview on the sidelines of the recent commissioning of Kennebec Clinic in ward 8 in Umguza, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, said the construction of the facility was close to 90 percent.
“The construction of the mothers’ shelter at the Nyamandlovu Hospital was done using devolution funds and we’re happy that it is nearing completion.
“As we accelerate the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Government remains firmly committed to strengthening social service delivery through strategic investments in health and other critical services,” he said.
“It’s important to note that every project that is completed or is near completion brings us one step closer to achieving our national aspirations under Vision 2030 and to building a prosperous, empowered and inclusive Zimbabwe.
“Government is committed to improving healthcare services in our communities hence the construction of the mothers’ shelter at Nyamandlovu Hospital is being accelerated,” said Minister Moyo.
Chief Deli, the traditional leader for the area said the construction of the mothers’ shelter was long overdue.
“Pregnant women, especially those that live in far-away villages, are forced to find alternative accommodation near the hospital when they are due to give birth and that requires additional money,” he said.
“Minister Moyo promised us about two years ago that he will see to it that a shelter is constructed and we look forward to it being officially opened to serve the people of Nyamandlovu.
“For years we did not have a mortuary at the hospital and grieving families were either forced to send the bodies of their departed to mortuaries to Bulawayo or bury them in a rush. Since the time Minister Moyo was sworn into office, he has shown great dedication and will for the people by using his own funds to construct the mortuary,” said Chief Deli.
Two years ago Nyamandlovu District Hospital finally had a functioning mortuary thanks to the Minister Moyo who used US$50 000 to bankroll the construction of the morgue, which will service over 200 000 villagers in Umguza district.
In the past, villagers had to take the remains of their relatives to Bulawayo mortuaries or were forced to bury the dead before they decomposed after the district hospital mortuary became dysfunctional.
At the St Luke’s Hospital another new mothers’ shelter is being built as part of efforts to decongest the existing facility, which is failing to cope with demand.
The new facility will accommodate about 200 expectant mothers, drastically easing pressure on the existing facility, which was built for 80 but has been heavily overcrowded. The expanded shelter will serve communities across
Matabeleland North, as well as parts of the Midlands and Bulawayo provinces.
