Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT, through the Department of Social Development, has initiated plans to rehabilitate the Gwanda Old People’s Home, which is now in a state of disrepair, as part of broader efforts to expand the facility to accommodate more inmates.
Speaking recently during the handover of groceries at the home by Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, Gwanda District social development officer, Ms Tendai Mangwiro, revealed that they are in the process of preparing quotations for the necessary repairs.
She indicated the need to address the institution’s water challenges, which have hampered the sustainability of income-generating projects. The home, which is a voluntary project, houses eight inmates.
“As the Social Development Department, we have set in motion plans to revamp the Gwanda Old People’s Home, which is now in a poor state. The inmates are housed in old structures that need rehabilitation and most of the beds are now in a bad state,” said Ms Mangwiro.
“The institution has serious water challenges and there is a need for a borehole to ensure an uninterrupted water supply. This will enable the institution to roll out income-generating projects and sustain their operations.”
Ms Mangwiro also noted that the institution’s sewer reticulation system is in dire need of repair, with frequent sewer bursts highlighting the extent of the problem.
She further emphasised the need for new infrastructure to accommodate more inmates, pointing out that the home is operating with just one staff member responsible for all eight residents.
“There is a need for more personnel at the home, which also needs to be solarised to ensure an uninterrupted water supply,” said Ms Mangwiro.
Dr Ndlovu stressed the importance of the home to the community, calling for urgent action to address its challenges.
“There is a need for intervention from various stakeholders to ensure that this home operates smoothly. I would like to remind the Social Development Department that these people here constantly need food and toilets, among other supplies,” she said.
“This home is of great significance to the community, and we should take good care of the people that are here. When we look at the old people who are here, we see our own parents that have departed from this earth and let’s therefore show them love.”
The minister said in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, there is an urgent need to address the challenges facing the Gwanda Old People’s Home.
Mrs Elita Manda, a voluntary caregiver at the home, expressed gratitude for the Government’s intervention. She said the support will go a long way in addressing the operational challenges the institution faces.
Mrs Manda also thanked Dr Ndlovu for the donation, adding that while the home has been relying on donations from well-wishers, the establishment of an income-generating project will help the institution become self-sustaining. — @DubeMatutu
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