Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
COMMUNITIES in Mhondoro-Ngezi District are set to benefit from improved healthcare services following the rehabilitation of two mortuaries that had been out of service for years through funding provided by former Kadoma Central legislator Mr Muchineripi Chinyanganya.
Mr Chinyanganya, a former opposition Member of Parliament who recently joined ZANU PF, contributed nearly US$2 000 towards the restoration of mortuaries at Ngezi Rural Hospital and St Michael’s Hospital, bringing relief to residents who had long struggled to access mortuary services.
The Ngezi Rural Hospital mortuary, which had not been operational for more than 25 years, was rehabilitated for US$1 200, while the mortuary at St Michael’s Hospital, which had been idle for five years, was restored at a cost of US$700.
The two facilities, which serve as key referral centres in the district, have a combined holding capacity of about 10 bodies.
Speaking after the completion of the project, Mr Chinyanganya said the rehabilitation of the mortuaries would restore a critical service that had been unavailable to many families for decades.
“The rehabilitation of these mortuaries will significantly benefit the people of Mhondoro-Ngezi by restoring an essential service that has been unavailable for many years,” he said.
“A functional mortuary provides dignified preservation of the deceased, reduces transportation and storage costs for bereaved families, improves public health standards and strengthens healthcare service delivery within the district.”
Before the rehabilitation, families were often forced to transport bodies to mortuaries in Turf and other distant centres, with some travelling more than 90 kilometres to access the service.
The situation imposed significant financial and emotional burdens on grieving families, with some forced to conduct burials prematurely because of the lack of adequate preservation facilities.
Health workers welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost to service delivery.
A senior nurse at Ngezi Rural Hospital, Sister Happiness Mataruse, said the restored mortuary would improve the hospital’s capacity to provide comprehensive healthcare services.
“The resuscitation of the mortuary has greatly improved our ability to provide essential healthcare services. The facility ensures the safe and dignified preservation of human remains, enhances public health standards and reduces the burden on healthcare workers and community members who previously depended on distant facilities,” she said.
Residents also expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying it would ease the challenges faced by bereaved families.
Ward 3B resident Mr Phillip Mukunyadze said the availability of mortuary services within the district would bring convenience and dignity to families during difficult times.
“For years, families have struggled with the high costs of transporting bodies to distant mortuaries. The rehabilitation of these facilities will provide much-needed relief and ensure that our loved ones are treated with dignity,” he said.
The rehabilitation of the two mortuaries complements Government efforts to improve access to essential services in rural communities in line with the national development agenda of ensuring that no place and no one is left behind.
