Wenslus Murape
Walter Nyamukondiwa in MAKANDE
Makande-Kanyati Clinic’s maternity home in Kariba District has received beds, mattresses, foodstuffs, and bedding materials from the Nigeil Tichaona Shamu Foundation.
The new beds are a welcome relief for expecting mothers, as the previous ones were broken and the mattresses worn out, forcing some women to seek comfort on the floor.
Five complete beds, eight extra mattresses and linen were delivered over the weekend, along with egg incubators to support the clinic’s nutrition garden.
In a demonstration of the impact of public-private partnerships, the foundation, led by Cde Nigeil Shamu, the Zanu PF shadow Member of Parliament, also hosted a sports festival to combat drug and substance abuse.
The Government has taken a strong stance against the use and sale of illicit substances as part of measures to protect the country’s moral fabric and workforce, especially among the youth.
Mrs Nomatter Majinjiwa, who has been at the Makande Clinic for the past week, expressed relief following the delivery of the beds.
“We are thankful to Cde Shamu for such a gesture that will make a significant difference to expecting mothers,” she said.
“The beds here at Makande-Kanyati Clinic are old and I have been forced to sleep on the floor, but with this development, things have changed for the better.”
Chief Msampakaruma praised Cde Shamu for staying connected to his roots and giving back to the community that raised him.
“As traditional leaders, we take great joy in seeing our children looking back to address the challenges faced in their communities,” he said.
“This gesture improves maternal health for our expecting mothers.
“We see our children complementing Government efforts and helping to fulfil our leadership mantra of improving the lives of everyone, no matter where they are in the country.”
Cde Shamu stated that he was supporting Government efforts to enhance the quality of life for its citizens and giving back to the community that nurtured him.
“I have just been informed of the dire water situation at the clinic, as the boreholes have dried up, and I have pledged to address the water situation, as access to water is crucial for promoting health and supporting the nutrition garden,” he said.
The Makande-Kanyati Clinic serves a population of 11 240 people, with approximately 2 500 of them being of child-bearing age. It handles at least 445 deliveries each year.
Nurse-in-charge Mr Ephraim Nyoni expressed gratitude for the beds and the support the clinic is receiving from Cde Shamu.
Online Reporter