Potraz brings power, comfort to Mutawatawa health institutions

Harmony Agere in Mutawatawa, Mashonaland East

For health workers at Nyakasoro Clinic, a moment of darkness during a childbirth procedure once became a frightening reminder of the challenges of working without reliable electricity.

That experience is now expected to become less common following a donation by the Postal and Telecommunications Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), which today handed over solar systems and other sundries to three health institutions in Mutawatawa.

Mutawatawa Hospital, Nyakasoro Clinic, and Tsokodeka Clinic received a variety of food items, mattresses, blankets, and solar systems.

The items were handed over by Potraz Deputy Director (Procurement) Mr Never Apton, who was standing in for Potraz Director General Mr Gift Machengete.

At Mutawatawa Hospital, the donation included 100 10kg bags of mealie meal, 100 two-litre bottles of cooking oil, 100 two-kilogramme packets of sugar, 50 two-kilogramme packets of washing powder, 100 500g packets of dried beans, 260 tablets of soap and 50 five-kilogramme bags of rice.

The hospital also received laundry packs comprising a small toiletry bag, soap case, toothbrush holder, sponge, comb and face towel.

Fruit packs containing a banana, orange, one-litre fruit juice, 500ml water, apple and two plain buns were also donated.

Mutawatawa Hospital GMO Jacqueline Paradzayi said the donation would help improve nutrition for patients while making it easier for staff to perform their duties.

“We thank Potraz for their continued support and particularly this donation,” she said.

“It will go a long way in boosting the nutrition for our patients.

“The staff are happy too because a well-equipped staff can discharge their duties much more easily”

At Nyakasoro and Tsokodeka clinics, the focus was on addressing some of the practical challenges faced by health workers.

The two clinics each received a 5kva solar system, five mattresses, five blankets and one Starlink kit.

For Sister Chapinduka from Nyakasoro Clinic, the solar system and Starlink kit arrived at a time when reliable power and internet connectivity were badly needed.

“This donation will go a long way in serving lives because previously we didn’t have power and we were not connected to the internet,” she said.

“I remember sometime ago, the light we had went out while helping a patient deliver.

“We panicked so much, but we eventually managed to finish the job, and this solar donation will help address some of these challenges.

The handover ceremonies were attended by Potraz officials Mr Never Apton, Mr William Dzingirai, Norah Zaranyika and Gilbert Chimboza.