Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Reporter
HEALTH infrastructure upgrades in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, are gathering pace as Government accelerates preparations for this year’s Independence Day commemorations.
With the national event expected to draw thousands of visitors into the province, authorities are working to ensure that key health institutions are fully operational and adequately resourced.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora, is leading a high-level delegation on a district-wide tour to assess preparedness, infrastructure rehabilitation and service capacity.
“I have been visiting hospitals throughout the country. In most provinces I have visited at least one or two hospitals, but I had not visited any hospital in Matabeleland South, so I decided to take some days and visit all the districts. It is also important that we have legacy projects in Matabeleland South since this is where we are going to celebrate our independence this year. There are quite a number of projects which I wanted to check on in terms of progress, while at the same time having a feel of what it is like in our hospitals in the province,” he said.
The delegation visited Kezi Rural Hospital, Maphisa District Hospital and Ratanyana Clinic, which is currently under construction and estimated to be between 50 and 60 percent complete.
“Today we started with the Matabeleland South district and visited Kezi Rural Hospital and Maphisa District Hospital. We also went to see Ratanyana Clinic, which is about 50 or 60 percent complete. We are checking on staffing levels the nurses, the doctors, the pharmacists and so on.
“We are also checking on the stock levels of our drugs in these institutions, looking at the equipment in the hospitals and the general state of the infrastructure. It gives me a feel of what needs to be done and how we can move to improve service delivery in Matabeleland South. We do not want to generalise and assume what is happening in Matabeleland North is the same here in Matabeleland South. We have been gathering a lot of information,” Minister Mombeshora said.
Residents who spoke to ZBC News welcomed the rehabilitation works, expressing hope that the upgrades would yield long-term benefits beyond the national celebrations.
“We are very happy with these renovations. This hospital has served us for many years, and seeing it being upgraded gives us confidence that we will receive better treatment,” one community member said.
“The improvements will help us as mothers. Clean wards and better facilities make a big difference, especially for pregnant women and children,” another added.
“With so many people expected to come into the district, it is important that our hospital is ready. But even after the celebrations, we as the community will continue to benefit,” a beneficiary noted.
Others said the visible changes were already improving morale among both patients and health workers.
“This is a welcome development. The upgrades are not just for the event, but a lasting investment in our district’s health services,” they said.
As April 18 approaches, health service readiness has become a central component of broader infrastructure preparations, with authorities emphasising that the improvements are intended to leave a durable legacy for Matobo District and the wider province.
