Story by Aifheli Mudau
THE construction of a mothers’ waiting shelter at Mtetengwe Rural Health Centre in Beitbridge District is nearing completion, marking a significant step in efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality under the Second Republic.
The facility is expected to improve access to skilled maternal healthcare by allowing expectant mothers, particularly those from remote areas, to stay closer to the clinic as they await delivery.
Community members have welcomed the development, saying it will ease challenges previously faced by pregnant women who had to travel long distances to access maternity services.
“We are happy as women because this facility will help us a lot since we are going to get a good and healthy place to deliver.
“Sometimes it was difficult to go to Beitbridge Hospital because some extra cash is needed to hire vehicles when emergencies occur from home,” villagers said.
Another resident said emergencies often required families to raise money to hire transport to Beitbridge District Hospital, which is more than 12 kilometres away.
“It is not expensive to wait for your due date from here because we are nearer to our homes, and relatives can easily visit us.”
Others noted that the proximity of the shelter to their homes would reduce costs and allow relatives to provide support during childbirth.
Local leadership said the shelter will strengthen healthcare delivery at Mtetengwe Rural Health Centre and improve maternal outcomes in the area.
“A lot of people, especially women, prefer to use this Clinic because we do have other good services, but what was lacking was this maternity waiting facility of which we are now glad that we do have it,” Mtetengwe Village Head, Mr Nelson Mohadi noted.
Beitbridge West legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou, said the project was made possible through community efforts with support from the Constituency Development Fund.
“This home will help mothers. The mothers’ shelter was made possible by the Mtetengwe community with the assistance of the Constituency Development Fund, so we provide good health service to the people, especially women, saving their time and money.”
Once completed, the Mtetengwe mothers’ waiting shelter is expected to ease pressure on Beitbridge District Hospital while improving access to maternal healthcare for women in surrounding rural communities.
