Online Reporter
Trust Freddy, Herald Correspondent
THE Government’s sweeping modernisation drive for key health facilities is progressing rapidly, with the refurbishment of nurses’ residences at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals now complete, marking a significant step in fulfilling the Second Republic’s infrastructure promises. Simultaneously, major renovation works at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital are nearing their final stage. Further cementing the national effort, similar projects are underway at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, where the first phase of renovations, which commenced in October, is reported to be nearing completion.
In an exclusive interview on Friday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the Government’s drive to transform public healthcare infrastructure was bearing fruit, citing the complete conversion of nurses’ residences into state-of-the-art accommodation.
“At Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, the renovations started with Adlam House, which accommodates student nurses. That is now complete, with new features like a solar system sufficient to take care of everything off-grid.
“New water systems have been installed, along with a completely new sewage drainage system and other aesthetic improvements. If you visit, you will see that it’s now a modern facility. The swimming pool has been redone and looks very good. Other facilities, such as the tennis court, have also been refurbished. All that work has been completed,” Dr Mombeshora said.
The residence, which had deteriorated to the point of housing only 40 student nurses out of a possible 353, has now been transformed. The revamp includes the installation of eight new boreholes, a 30 000-litre water tank, and a 120-kilowatt solar system, along with a swimming pool for recreation.
Dr Mombeshora also revealed that major works at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital have been completed, with its full reopening expected soon.
“As you know, the hospital had to be closed completely, and the facility has been operating from the main hospital. Two wards have been dedicated for maternity, and a theatre for caesarean sections in the main hospital.
“Work has progressed. Although we are slightly behind schedule, we hope it will be completed by the end of December, but we are now looking at the end of January for reopening. The hospital will have new equipment, new beds, new anaesthesia machines — everything.”
Dr Mombeshora said the newly renovated maternity hospital is expected to be officially commissioned before the end of January.
“We want it reopened by the end of January. It has to be reopened, because otherwise the pressure becomes too much,” he said.
True to President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”, phased renovations are also being implemented concurrently at Mpilo Hospital, where the contractor began work in October.
“Renovations have also been done at Mpilo Hospital, but it’s in phases. Certain departments are being renovated first, and the contractor is already on site. The work has started,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora further revealed that preparations for the major renovation of the main hospital at Parirenyatwa are now at an advanced stage, with works expected to commence in early January.
“At Parirenyatwa’s main hospital, we are still at the planning stage. Bills of Quantities have been produced and are now being reviewed by the Department of Public Works and the Ministry of Local Government. We hope work will start early in the New Year.”
The modernisation programme for Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals is expected to serve as a blueprint for other public health institutions. This initiative forms part of a wider national exercise to rehabilitate critical health infrastructure and improve service delivery.
Earlier this year, President Mnangagwa made an unannounced tour of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he expressed concern over its dilapidated state and directed authorities to expedite refurbishment. The President pledged to upgrade health infrastructure at the country’s major hospitals in line with international standards.
The programme to transform and modernise the health sector — which involves upgrading infrastructure, equipping health facilities, and improving drug supply and other consumables — is targeting mainly provincial and district hospitals.
