Online Reporter
Takudzwa Mangrozah
Online Reporter
A major milestone in rural health delivery has been achieved in Goromonzi after a fully furnished waiting mothers’ shelter at Bromley Clinic was handed over to the community recently.
Bromley is located about 46km from Harare along the Mutare Highway. The shelter is now expected to significantly improve maternal outcomes for thousands of women across the district.
The new shelter, built by PetroZim Line (PZL) in partnership with National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC), expands Bromley Clinic’s capacity, providing expecting mothers from surrounding areas a safer alternative to long, risky journeys for maternal care.
Goromonzi Rural District Council Chairperson Dr Aaron Golden Shamu said the shelter represents more than infrastructure and is a fulfilment of a constitutional obligation.
“A mother’s shelter is more than a building; it gives expecting mothers dignity, comfort and timely healthcare,” he said.
Dr Shamhu urged community members to safeguard the facility, explaining that it is a community asset, which must not be vandalised.
“When women are healthy, communities thrive, children survive, and families prosper,” he said.
NOIC board chairperson Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Innocent Chiganze said the project reflects the effectiveness of coordinated development under national priorities such as Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy.
“This achievement reflects dedication to excellence and community development, and shows what is possible when we unite for a common purpose,” he said.
“Investments like this show that corporate responsibility can directly improve lives in our communities.”
PZL board chairperson Engineer Musaida Mercy Manyuchi explained that the shelter responds directly to the realities facing women in Bromley, some of whom travelled up to 30 kilometres for maternal services.
“This waiting mothers’ shelter is a strategic life-saving investment that brings expecting mothers closer to skilled healthcare professionals,” she said. “Standing here today, we see what is possible when community needs guide development projects,” she said.
The handover of the mothers’ shelter was welcomed by Bromley residents who said it will ease the burden on expecting mothers, while improving the quality of care available in the community.
Beyond the construction of the shelter, PZL also renovated the main clinic building and donated essential items including beds, mattresses, pillows, sheets and a stove.
Health officials said the upgrades will strengthen the clinic’s referral system, reduce complications and ensure safer deliveries.
Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in improving service delivery in rapidly expanding districts such as Goromonzi.
With population growth outpacing infrastructure, corporate support is increasingly vital in bridging gaps in health, education and sanitation.
The shelter now stands as a symbol of what shared responsibility and targeted development can achieve for rural communities.
The handover ceremony was attended by Chief Rusike, who was represented by his trusted Induna Chishiri, together with village heads and a number of community members.
