Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE long-standing ordeal of water shortages at Karoi District Hospital has finally been resolved, bringing much-needed relief to patients, staff and the wider Hurungwe community.
This follows the installation of a dedicated water supply line from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) treatment plant, ensuring uninterrupted access to clean water.
The intervention, spearheaded by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation, has transformed operations at the hospital, which had previously endured erratic water supplies that exposed patients and healthcare workers to heightened risks of infection and disease.
For years, admitted patients including expectant mothers were forced to bring buckets of water from home to meet basic needs at the district’s only referral the institution was continuously affected by breakdowns and faults that affected other units including homes, churches and commercial buildings. Speaking during the launch of Zanu PF Hurungwe Central’s ‘Smart Tembo Clean-Up’ initiative at the hospital, staff and residents applauded the connection of the institution to a direct ZINWA supply line, describing it as a lifeline for the health facility.
Hurungwe District Medical Officer, Dr Munyaradzi Chidaushe, said the water crisis had severely undermined service delivery at the hospital, which caters for thousands of people across the district.
“This is the largest referral hospital in Hurungwe and the only hospital serving Karoi town. The lack of a reliable water supply forced us to suspend procedures that require significant water use,” he said.
“At some point, we had no option but to ask patients to bring their own water as a temporary measure, which was far from ideal.”
Dr Chidaushe revealed that efforts to address the crisis through borehole water had failed after all eight drilled boreholes turned out to be dry.
“We are extremely grateful for this dedicated water line. It has become a vital lifeline for the institution and has restored full functionality to critical areas such as the maternity ward, theatre, laboratory and outpatient department,” he added.
The improved water supply is also expected to ease pressure on the hospital ahead of the tobacco auction season, when thousands of farmers flock to Karoi, increasing demand for health services.
Hurungwe is Zimbabwe’s major producing claiming at least 33 percent of the total national output. Community members welcomed the development, saying it had restored dignity to the public health facility.
Karoi resident Mr Abel Matsika said patients previously endured unnecessary hardship.
“There was a time when every admitted patient had to bring a bucket of water every day. This was especially difficult for people coming from rural areas outside town,” he said.
“This intervention has come when the entire Hurungwe community was struggling, and it supports the national Vision 2030 agenda.”
Another resident, Mr Travolta Matenkenya, said the project resonated with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no place and no one behind. Hurungwe Central legislator, Cde Richard Ziki, described the installation of the water line as a critical step in restoring efficiency and dignity at the hospital.
“As a district, we faced serious challenges due to persistent water shortages at our referral hospital. We commend the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, and the Angel of Hope Foundation for responding decisively to the needs of our people. Reliable water supply is essential for quality healthcare delivery,” he said.
Meanwhile, the launch of the Smart Tembo Clean-Up programme, officiated by Youth League Deputy Secretary for Tourism and Environment and Glen View South legislator, Cde Tsitsi Tawonhera saw Zanu PF members conducting a thorough clean-up of the hospital premises.
Activities included disinfecting wards, waiting areas and ablution facilities, in line with the National Clean-Up Campaign.
