By Tamuka Charakupa
MARTENAL healthcare at Makande-Kanyati Clinic in rural Kariba has received a major uplift following the donation of essential resources aimed at improving service delivery and community well-being.
The support includes five hospital beds, mattresses, blankets, food supplies, and an egg incubator, providing critical relief for expecting mothers in the area. The intervention is part of a broader push to revitalise rural health infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
Mrs Nomatter Majonjiwa, an expecting mother at the clinic, said the donation was a significant improvement to the facility.
“We are thankful to Honourable Shamu for such a gesture that will make a huge difference to expectant mothers. The beds at Makande-Kanyati Clinic were old, and we used to sleep on the floor. This development has brought real change,” she said.
Other community members also welcomed the initiative, noting the urgent need for proper maternal healthcare facilities.
“Cde Shamu has done a noble thing that ensures we are not left behind. Expecting mothers need a proper maternity care unit to avoid unnecessary loss of life, especially considering that we live in a wildlife-prone area,” said a local resident.
The donation was made by ZANU PF Kariba Constituency shadow legislator, Cde Nigeil Tichaona Shamu, who said the gesture was in line with government efforts to ensure universal access to healthcare services.
“I’ve just been informed about the dire water situation at the clinic, as the boreholes have dried up. I’ve pledged to address the issue because water plays a vital role in healthcare and also supports the clinic’s nutrition garden,” said Cde Shamu.
Chief Msampakaruma praised the involvement of local leaders in addressing grassroots challenges.
“As traditional leaders, we find great joy when our children look back and help solve the challenges facing their communities. This is a welcome gesture that will improve maternal health. We are happy when efforts like this complement government programmes under the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
Makande-Kanyati Clinic serves more than 11,000 people and handles nearly 500 births each year. The recent donation is expected to significantly improve maternal outcomes and support ongoing community development initiatives.
