Story by Gay Matambo
EXPECTANT mothers in Makoni West will no longer have to endure long and risky journeys while in labour following the commissioning of the Toriro Clinic Mothers’ Shelter, a facility designed to improve maternal healthcare outcomes and reduce preventable deaths.
The shelter, officially opened on Saturday, is expected to provide safe accommodation for pregnant women from Ruombwe and surrounding communities as they await delivery, ensuring timely access to skilled healthcare professionals and emergency medical services.
The project is part of broader efforts by Government to strengthen maternal and child healthcare and increase institutional deliveries in line with Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Community members welcomed the development, saying it will help eliminate the hardships women have historically faced in accessing maternity services.
“Walking 10 to 15 kilometres while experiencing labour pains has been our harsh reality here in Makoni West. Some women ended up delivering on the roadside, exposed to the weather and infections,” a villager said.
“This shelter gives us our dignity back. We now have a clean place, clean running water and nurses right next door.”
An expectant mother said the facility would spare women the traumatic experiences often associated with travelling long distances during labour.
“During my first pregnancy, I went into labour in the middle of the night and had to be transported by scotch cart to the main road. The experience was extremely painful. Knowing that I can now stay at the shelter before my due date gives me peace of mind,” she said.
Traditional leader Chief Makoni described the shelter as a significant step towards protecting women and strengthening family wellbeing in rural communities.
“As the traditional custodians of this land, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We have witnessed the unnecessary suffering of our daughters and wives on rugged roads during midnight emergencies. This shelter restores the dignity of the family unit in our villages,” he said.
Ward 26 Councillor, Councillor Vester Marowero, said the facility would ease the burden on families while improving access to maternal healthcare services.
The project has been hailed as a successful collaboration between local communities, traditional leadership and Government.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the shelter reflects the Second Republic’s commitment to improving healthcare access in rural areas.
“The establishment of this waiting mother’s shelter is a direct translation of the Second Republic’s Vision 2030 into tangible rural development. By providing this infrastructure, we are addressing the root causes of rural maternal mortality,” he said.
Speaking after commissioning the facility, Makoni West legislator Dr Jenfan Muswere said Government remains committed to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services.
“Our development footprint continues to expand, with 10 maternal waiting shelters nearing completion and ready for commissioning,” he said.
“This complements our educational milestones, where we have constructed more than 20 classroom blocks and introduced digital learning through computerisation. Looking ahead, our immediate focus turns to bridging the healthcare gap in Ruombwe through the construction of a new clinic.”
The commissioning of the Toriro Clinic Mothers’ Shelter comes as Government intensifies efforts to improve maternal and child health services, particularly in remote communities where access to healthcare remains a challenge.
