Matabeleland South waiting mothers get Parks boost

THE Zimbabwe National Parks, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, has commissioned a new expecting mother’s waiting facility at Silozwe Clinic in Matobo District in Matabeleland South Province.

The commissioning of the building on Wednesday marks a significant milestone in enhancing maternal health services in the area, which buttresses Government’s drive to improve livelihoods across the country.

The building features a lounge, four spacious waiting wards, shower rooms, bathrooms, and a dedicated washing room — making it suitable to provide a comfortable and safe environment for pregnant women awaiting delivery. Community members who witnessed the event expressed their gratitude for the gesture extended by the ministry in making the project a reality.

They highlighted the importance of such facilities in ensuring the well-being of both mothers and newborns, emphasising the need for accessible and quality healthcare services for all.

“We are thrilled to see the completion of this expecting mother’s waiting facility at Silozwe Clinic. The support and dedication of the ministry and the national parks has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition,” said one of the villagers.

Coincidentally on Tuesday evening a set of twins were born at the clinic before the commissioning of the building.

Another villager said the facility will not only provide a comfortable space for expecting mothers but also contribute to improved maternal health outcomes in the community.

“We are grateful for this life-changing gesture and to community members who played a pivotal role in the construction and development of the facility,” said another villager.

Guest of Honour and Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, said the commissioning of the expecting mother’s waiting facility at Silozwe Clinic signifies a significant step forward in advancing maternal health services and ensuring the safety and care of pregnant women in Matabeleland South Province.

“This is part of President Mnangagwa’s works of leaving no one and no place behind in his vision for the country to attain an upper middle-income economy by the year 2030.

“The construction of the facility is as a result of ZimParks efforts to assist the community. This is very impressive,” said Dr Nyoni.

She urged ZimParks to remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that benefit communities and contribute to the overall health and prosperity of the region.

“The community should be thrilled as this facility is even better than those in urban areas. I am especially pleased to see that there is a smart TV that is connected to DStv, a very comfortable set of couches that you do not find in some households. This just goes to show that we are evolving,” said the minister.