When fatherhood becomes nightmare

Lovemore Meya Features Correspondent
When 20-year-old Alice Nendanga of the high density suburb of Mbare, Harare, fell pregnant, she was overwhelmed with joy and anticipation as any pregnant woman would.
Her husband Misheck Mutasa (25), too, was happy. He was to become father a second time.
But, during prenatal visits at their local clinic, they learnt fate had its own plans, handing them four babies instead of one they had planned for.

And when she went into labour on May 20, Alice knew too well what was to come.
She was happy to give life yet their financial situation stressed her.

Her four bouncing girls were indeed special.
First they shared one womb and second they made headlines in Zimbabwe and other countries.

Relatives, friends and the hospital staff also shed tears of joy.
A lot happened with some people thronging Harare Central Hospital to witness the four beautiful girls, showering them with various goodies including clothing and food.

But three months down the line, their fortunes have not changed.
Alice and her four babies are still “admitted” at the same hospital, their joy slowly fading.

Her husband Mutasa still lives in their small rented room down Second Avenue as what he earns from his vending business is not enough to pay rent for a bigger home.

Each day they hope that the heavens will shine on them.
The Herald Features caught up with Mr Mutasa at Mbare Musika where he sells vegetables.

Mutasa is not a happy man.
It has taken too long for him to reunite with his family.

But first, he thanks all the people who helped his family.
“I would like to thank all those who helped me and my family from the onset. However, nothing has changed from the time we received help and as we speak my family is still at Harare Central Hospital,” he said.

Mutasa is an unhappy man.
“My brother life is not a bed of roses. Can you imagine your wife being in hospital this long, alone and with no one to help her with the children. Right now I am caught in between a hard rock and a surface.

“The only person who was helping me to look after my four-year-old son is my sister Tracy who lives in Mutare. She has since returned home but was here for the past three and half months. I will be forced to come to work and go home to look after my son before visiting my wife at hospital,” he said.

Walking to and from the hospital everyday has become part of his daily routine.
He spends more than five hours helping his wife either by changing the children’s diapers or feeding them.

“My wife is still young and is in dire need of help because our children are growing up and she cannot do it alone.
“Yesterday (Monday) I went to the hospital and explained my challenges to the matron who informed me that they wrote a letter to the governor requesting for accommodation and is yet to respond to it,” said Mutasa.

If all goes well, Mutasa said they could be allocated a house in Budiriro under the CABS housing scheme.
At one time, Mutasa said, the ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing offered him a housing stand but he could not make it.

“We were told about the stand which is not yet serviced by the ministry of Local Government. They asked for $2 000 upfront. I could not make it since financial constraints are hindering my progress on everything.

“I told them that I could not afford it since my family is still in hospital. I am pleading with CBZ and Nicoz Diamond who at first offered us food and pampers respectively to chip in,” he said.

Mutasa said Nicoz Diamond once offered him $192 for stand in Dzivarasekwa but he could not afford.
The daunting task before him is to ensure that his family is well fed while in hospital.

“This means working hard as the food rations offered at hospital sometimes will be very little for his breastfeeding wife.
“I have to fend for my wife and children through selling these (pointing at stacks of green beans and carrots) greens. The money I get is very little but I ensure that I buy food for my wife,” he said.

However, he is grateful that Harare Central Hospital waived his hospital bill.
He is also receiving free baby formula from the hospital.

A school dropout at Grade 6 because of financial constraints, Mutasa said he would do any kind of job that comes his way.
He is also appealing for $1 500 to grow his vending business.

Mutasa complained that some people received and kept donations meant for his family.
“I am very disappointed by some people who capitalise on the plight of the poor. People received our donations and kept them. Many well-wishers called me saying they sent donations through individuals. I was surprised as I did not get anything. As a way of averting such misconducts, I have an account with Ecobank account number 0073147604,” he said.

Recently a matron at the hospital, Mrs Cathrine Zambe, said Alice could leave hospital but they kept her because she has nowhere to go.
As each day passes, Mutasa hopes that all will be well and he will reunite with his family.