Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
THE corporate world and other well wishers have been urged to support fundraising efforts aimed at rehabilitating Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo, which is in urgent need of refurbishment. The call comes as authorities seek to revitalise the country’s largest mental health institution.
The Office of the Vice President, Dr Kembo Mohadi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, is spearheading the initiative, with a fundraising luncheon scheduled for Friday, March 20, in Bulawayo.
The event aims to raise US$5 million, with President Mnangagwa expected to officiate as guest of honour. Funds will be directed towards transforming the historic facility — established in 1908 — into a modern, state of the art mental health centre, as well as constructing a specialised drug and substance rehabilitation centre.
The rehabilitation centre is anticipated to play a critical role in combating the escalating problem of drug and substance abuse affecting communities nationwide.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, Dr Benson Martins Dube, appealed to corporates and stakeholders to back the campaign.
“We have a list of items we are targeting to raise funds for and have included them in all our invites. We are looking at raising anything to the tune of US$5 million. Members of the public and civil society are invited to participate or contribute towards this good cause. Individuals and organisations that cannot attend but would like to support the initiative will also be accommodated through contacts of officers whom they can contact and register their contributions,” he said.
Dr Dube said the rehabilitation programme would enhance service delivery and improve working conditions for staff.
“We believe that the new look of the facility will attract more qualified specialists and boost the morale of the workers because of the clean environment and user-friendly modern facilities. It will also attract well-wishers and friends of the facility to come in and assist in the maintenance of the facility.
“The luncheon will raise funds for several projects at the institution, including the supply and installation of a water purification plant, procurement of water tanks, refurbishment and redecorating of Khumalo Ward, construction of a waiting shade at Khumalo Ward and rehabilitation of roads,” he said.
Additional plans include constructing domestic ablution facilities for Compound 39 houses and farm ablution facilities, repairing and refurbishing three fowl runs, equipping the Eastern Farm irrigation project, and extending hydrants, irrigation pipes and sprinklers. Reconstruction of 100 metre canals and drilling an additional borehole are also part of the programme.
The hospital’s farm infrastructure is earmarked for rehabilitation, while two staff houses, the J.W. Villa Ward and various clinics require upgrades. The existing video room will be converted into a training room as part of the overall improvements.
