Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke in SHAMVA
PARTNERSHIPS between Government, mining companies and development partners are transforming health infrastructure at Shamva District Hospital, bringing quality healthcare closer to communities and complementing national efforts to improve service delivery.
The institution, which serves thousands of people in Mashonaland Central Province, has witnessed significant improvements in recent years, thanks to a string of projects bankrolled by mining companies operating in the area.
Shamva District Health Services Administrator, Mr Benny Naitai, said the support from mining companies and other stakeholders had been critical in revamping facilities that had long been outdated.
“In 2021, we commissioned a new mortuary funded by Shamva Gold Mine,” he said.
“Before that, we only had a small three-body mortuary which was not adequate and often resulted in decomposed bodies. The new facility can accommodate 11 bodies and is one of the best in the province.”
Mr Naitai said the hospital also benefitted from a new pharmacy building after the old one was destroyed by fire in November 2021.
The new facility was constructed with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“The fire, which at first seemed like a tragedy, turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it gave us an opportunity to build a modern pharmacy that meets the needs of our growing population,” said Mr Naitai.
Shamva Gold Mine has also taken a leading role in refurbishing the hospital’s male and female wards, some of which are decades old.
The facelift included repairs to ablution facilities, repainting of buildings and rehabilitation of roofs.
Another key project underway now is the construction of a modern laundry house, also spearheaded by the mine.
The facility, which is already 85 percent complete, will be equipped with laundry and ironing machines, as well as dryers to ensure the hospital can maintain proper hygiene standards.
“At the moment, we rely on Bindura Provincial Hospital for laundry services, but due to power and water shortages there, our work is often disrupted. “Once our own laundry room is complete, we will be able to guarantee clean linen for our patients at all times, which is critical for infection prevention and control,” Mr Naitai said.
The partnerships extend beyond infrastructure, with Members of Parliament for Shamva North and Shamva South also playing a role in mobilising resources.
“They have gone as far as sourcing hampers for our healthcare staff by engaging miners and farmers in the community.
“This shows a collective effort to ensure that healthcare workers are motivated and communities are well served,” he added.
Looking ahead, there are plans to construct a doctor’s house at the hospital, with commitments already made by partners.
The project is awaiting approval and technical input from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
“These projects are not just about buildings; they are about restoring dignity in service delivery. A proper mortuary means we give our people a decent last respect, while a functioning laundry means our patients are cared for in a clean environment.
“This is part of a comprehensive package of healthcare services that Government is pushing to achieve,” said Mr Naitai.
