By Vumani Mthiyane
Pregnant women who were relying on Manama Hospital for maternal health care are now forced to travel to Gwanda Hospital, as the Evangelical Lutheran Church In Zimbabwe-run hospital’s maternity wing is yet to be repaired after it was destroyed by strong winds a fortnight ago.
Manama Mission hospital is the only major referral hospital in Gwanda South district.
The total damage is estimated at US$40 000.
Government officials swiftly moved to the site to assess the level of damage and promised that they will speedily repair and replace all the damaged infrastructure and equipment.
However, it’s now three weeks and nothing has been done.
Local and diaspora communities have since launched crowdfunding initiatives to get the hospital working again.
“We are asking for help as we are now facing a huge challenge since we no longer have room to accommodate women for delivery and this means they have to travel over long distances to Gwanda Hospital for the services,” said Pastor in Charge Rev Alson Nkala.
“The estimated costs for everything to get back to normal operations is USD$40 000 and therefore, we are appealing for any form of help that can bring normalcy to the hospital.”
The other appeal fronted by Kyran Titterton who is also requesting assistance towards the hospital repairs
“We hereby request for donations towards the refurbishment of Manama Mission Hospital which was heavily affected by strong winds on Sunday 3 October 2021.
As a result, several units were damaged with maternity wing being the worst and requires urgent attention,” reads part of the statement.
Bank accounts for contributions have already been opened in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and the United Kingdom.
According to a recent assessment made by government experts from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the winds damaged vaccines, solar fridge, roofing, 10 000 litre Jojo water tank, electric cables, telephone lines, air conditioner, phototherapy machine, beds and blankets among others.
