Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE corporate world and other well-wishers have been implored to support fundraising efforts aimed at rehabilitating Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo, which urgently requires a facelift.
The Office of the Vice President, Dr Kembo Mohadi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, is spearheading the initiative, with a fundraising luncheon scheduled for March 20 in Bulawayo.
The event is targeting to raise US$5 million, with President Mnangagwa expected to be the guest of honour. Funds raised will go towards transforming the mental health institution, which was built in 1908, into a modern state-of-the-art facility and constructing a specialised drug and substance rehabilitation centre.
The rehabilitation centre is expected to contribute significantly towards tackling the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse.
Permanent Secretary in Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi’s Office, Dr Benson Martins Dube, called on the corporate sector and other stakeholders to support the initiative.
“We have a list of items we are targeting to raise funds for and have included them in all our invites. We are looking at raising anything to the tune of US$5 million,” he said.
“Members of the public and civil society are invited to participate or contribute towards this good cause.“Individuals and organisations that cannot attend but would like to support the initiative will also be accommodated through contacts of officers whom they can contact and register their contributions.”
Dr Dube said the rehabilitation programme would improve service delivery at the institution and enhance working conditions for staff.
“We believe that the new look of the facility will attract more qualified specialists and boost the morale of the workers because of the clean environment and user-friendly modern facilities,” he said.
“It will also attract well-wishers and friends of the facility to come in and assist in the maintenance of the facility. The luncheon will raise funds for several projects at the institution, including the supply and installation of a water purification plant, procurement of water tanks, refurbishment and redecorating of Khumalo Ward, construction of a waiting shade at Khumalo Ward and rehabilitation of roads.”
Other planned works include construction of domestic ablution facilities for Compound 39 houses, farm ablution facilities, repair and refurbishment of three fowl runs, equipping of the Eastern Farm irrigation project and extension of hydrants, irrigation pipes and sprinklers complete with heads.
Reconstruction of 100-metre canals and drilling of an additional borehole are also part of the programme. The hospital’s farm infrastructure is also earmarked for rehabilitation, while two staff houses, the J.W. Villa Ward and various clinics require upgrading.
The video room will also be converted into a training room as part of the planned improvements.
