Story by Aifheli Mudau
GOVERNMENT continues to scale up rural health infrastructure, with the construction of a Waiting Mothers’ Shelter at Mtetengwe in Beitbridge District marking a significant boost to maternal healthcare access in previously underserved communities.
The facility is expected to ease long-standing challenges faced by expectant mothers, particularly during the rainy season when access to major health centres becomes difficult.
Community members have welcomed the development, citing improved access to maternal services and reduced travel distances.
“For us as women, it has been difficult without a waiting mothers’ shelter. During the rainy season, crossing rivers to access facilities such as Beitbridge District Hospital was a major challenge,” one resident said.
Another community member said the new facility will ease congestion at major referral centres.
“This development is a relief for us. We now have a facility closer to home, which will reduce overcrowding at referral hospitals and improve service delivery at our local clinic,” the resident said.
The local leadership is appreciative of the transformative project meant to improve access to health care services.
Chairperson of the Mtetengwe Clinic Committee, Mr Nelson Mohadi, said the facility is nearing full operational status.
“We are grateful for the support from Government. Only minor finishing works remain before the shelter becomes fully operational,” he said.
Mtetengwe Acting Headman, Mr Thinamano Mbedzi, said the strategic location of the facility will benefit a wider community.
“This shelter will serve not only our community but the surrounding areas as well. Its proximity to a major highway will also help reduce health risks associated with delayed access to care,” he said.
Beitbridge West legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou, said the Constituency Development Fund played a key role in the project.
“We have made significant progress in completing this facility, with the Constituency Development Fund providing critical support. This project will go a long way in improving healthcare service delivery in the area.”
The completion of the waiting mothers shelter comes at a time when Government has accelerated the construction of clinics in various communities that include Malibeng, Dumba and Whunga in Beitbridge District.
