By Nokuthaba Dlamini
The Labour and Social Welfare department in Matabeleland North needs ZWL$12 994 515 million to refurbish and furnish the new quarantine centres.
The government was forced to look for alternative accommodation to isolate returning citizens as the educational facilities they were using have been handed back to the school authorities in preparation for the resumption of learning activities.
Matabelelaland North Social Welfare Officer Macnon Chirinzepi said the identified centres in each district are in critical need of refurbishment.
“There is urgent need to refurbish alternative quarantine centres particularly in Victoria Falls where we are receiving returnees from Botswana, Namibia and Zambia,” Chirinzepi noted.
“Ntengwe Drop-in Centre in Binga has no food, mattresses and other provisions for the returnees’ upkeep, there is also need for electricity, water and perimeter fence while ORAP Centre in Bubi has no electricity, beds, mattresses, water and perimeter fence and this requires $560 000.”
Chirinzepi added: “UNWTO Camp Hwange needs a perimeter fence, electricity, water, beds, mattresses, ablution facilities. Roofing Labour is $71 785, quoted building material $7 100 732 50, food for builders $47 998 30, fuel $5 000 and estimated outstanding material cost $4 100 000 bringing the total to $ 11 325 515.”
Elitsheni Government Complex in Lupane has no bedding, mattresses, electricity, water and bathing facilities while Jotsholo Hall/Hlanganani Cooperative has no doors, beds, electricity, perimeter fence and floors.
They both require about $730 000.
Tsholotsho’ DDF Training Centre needs $900 000 for refurbishments and beds.
Inyathi Training Centre has started operating. The centre has since Monday received 8 returnees, 5 males and 3 females.
The budget for the requirements has since been submitted to the government, Chirinzepi said.
Chirinzepi said all discharged returnees are being given their Covid-19 test certificates to help them reintegrate back into their communities without challenges through traditional leadership and other community leadership.
