Mkhululi Ncube [email protected]
A WHIRLWIND has left a trail of destruction at Nyabane Clinic in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, resulting in a reduction in services offered at the health facility.
Initial assessments point to possible poor workmanship, although an official assessment and evaluation of the cost of the damage are yet to commence.
The whirlwind hit the clinic on Saturday afternoon, but there were no casualties among staff and patients.
The clinic was built through community contributions, while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invested US$300 000 in the project.
Ward councillor Mr Ephraim Moyo confirmed the development.
“I have just visited the clinic and there is massive damage. Part of the roofing that was blown off had solar panels, which were destroyed. The solar system powered fridges where vaccines were kept. The vaccines have been taken to nearby Sikhathini Clinic,” he said.
Mr Moyo said, with the rains imminent, they had been forced to move some materials to safe areas as they considered the next steps.
He said his assessment suggested there could have been poor workmanship during the roofing process.
“I suspect the nails which were used are small, as they seem to have come off the trusses. One would have expected long nails that can go through the plank and be made to bend were used. But this is my observation; maybe the experts will come up with a different view,” he said.
Mr Moyo appealed for assistance to restore the clinic to full operation.
He said all services requiring vaccines had been suspended, with only non-essential services being offered.
Bulilima Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Billiat Mlauzi confirmed receiving a report of the damage to the clinic.
He said they would be undertaking an assessment with members of the Civil Protection Unit.
The commissioning of the clinic last year by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi brought relief to community members who were previously forced to travel long distances to Sikhathini Clinic.
