Irvin Mutengerere
Beatific Gumbwanda
23 Feb 2017 – CHIREDZI – Chikombedzi Mission Hospital has spent almost a month operating without water and electricity with expectant mothers being forced to walk at least two kilometres to find water.
The hospital mortuary has now been closed as there are numerous problems with the cooling system.
Sources at the hospital said there was a strong likelihood that the hospital will suffer from an outbreak of cholera and typhoid because of the severe water shortages.
When contacted for comment, acting Medical Superintendent, Irvin Mutengerere said there is a borehole which requires electricity to work, meaning the absence of electricity also means the absence of water.
“The major challenge we are facing as a hospital is shortage of water and electricity. We once contacted ZETDC but they just said there were faults that need to be fixed but nothing has been done. We now have about a month operating without water and electricity,” said Mutengerere.
He told this publication that the hospital needs two more boreholes to run efficiently.
Mutengerere also said the hospital requires X-Ray machines which are a basic resource for any health institution of that size. He said the hospital has an emergency generator and solar power that are only sufficient for use in extreme emergency measures in the laboratory.
“It’s six months now since our mortuary has stopped working and we urge people to bury their relatives as soon as possible. For those without policies, it is wise for them to contact service providers,” said Mutengerere.health
