Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke in Matobo
HEALTH and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, on Wednesday toured key health infrastructure projects in Matobo District to assess progress on construction and renovation works ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebrations, which the district will host in April.
The inspection formed part of a national assessment of public health facilities aimed at identifying service delivery gaps, infrastructure needs, staffing levels and equipment shortages as Government intensifies efforts to strengthen the public health system and improve access to quality care. Dr Mombeshora said the nationwide tour was intended to give him a direct understanding of conditions on the ground and help shape targeted interventions. He stressed that although national policies guide the health sector, each province faces its own set of challenges that require tailored responses.
Matabeleland South is drawing particular attention this year as it prepares to host the Independence Day commemorations, with several legacy projects underway in the province.
“We’ve got some legacy projects in Matabeleland South since this is where we are going to celebrate our Independence Day this year. So, there are quite a number of projects, which I wanted to check on the progress.
“We started in Matobo District and visited Kezi Rural Hospital. We also came to Maphisa District Hospital and Ratanyana Clinic, which is under construction and about 50 to 60 percent complete. We are checking staffing levels, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, as well as drug stocks, equipment and the general state of infrastructure,” he said.
The visits to Kezi Rural Hospital and Maphisa District Hospital come as Government accelerates preparations for the national celebrations, with health facilities in Matobo District undergoing upgrades to ensure they can meet increased activity and demand during and after the festivities.
Under the Second Republic, Government has made investment in health infrastructure, human resources and medical supplies a priority, in line with efforts to achieve universal health coverage. Through the National Development Strategy 1 and the Devolution agenda, authorities have been upgrading rural health facilities, improving the availability of medicines and modernising equipment to ensure no community is left behind.
Rotating national events across provinces has also helped accelerate development, leaving behind infrastructure that continues benefiting communities long after celebrations conclude.
At Kezi Rural Hospital, a new 50-bed facility is under construction after the old structure was decommissioned in 2008 due to extensive termite damage.
The hospital serves nearly 10 000 villagers across four wards and functions as a referral centre for three other facilities. Reconstruction began in 2023 and is expected to significantly improve inpatient care in the area.
Maphisa District Hospital, which supports 19 health facilities in Matobo, is also receiving major upgrades. Current works include refurbishment of the incinerator, mortuary and cold room, installation of new solar-powered boreholes and a piped water system, as well as renovation of both the VIP ward and a general ward. This year’s Independence Day celebrations are expected to draw thousands of visitors, placing added pressure on local health services. The ongoing works aim not only to support the smooth hosting of the event but to leave behind a long term legacy of improved healthcare infrastructure for Matabeleland South. Dr Mombeshora noted that information gathered from the tour would help Government avoid making assumptions about provincial challenges.
“We don’t want to generalise and assume that what is happening in one province is the same here. We are gathering information so that we know what needs to be done to improve service delivery in Matabeleland South,” he said.
The tour is expected to continue to Plumtree and Bulilima District, where the minister will visit a 21 bed hospital under construction, as well as Gwanda District Hospital and Beitbridge, to obtain a full picture of health service conditions across the province.
Meanwhile, community members welcomed the developments at Maphisa District Hospital, saying the upgrades would enhance access to healthcare.
Gogo Bessy Ndlovu said: “We have been seeing these renovations being done and we are happy about this development. For a long time we have had to travel long distances for some services not offered here, but with these improvements our hospital will be able to offer us more services closer to home.”
Mr Deputy Ndlovu said: “We want to thank the Second Republic for this development. These improvements show that rural areas are not being forgotten, and we believe this will help to improve service delivery and reduce the challenges we used to face.”
Mr Zibusiso Msebele added: “I have been coming here to get treatment for some time and I am thankful that this hospital is being renovated. A better environment and improved facilities make us feel more comfortable and confident about the care we receive.”
