Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
CHIPINGE District Hospital has been hit by acute water shortages as a result of the continuous breakdowns of the water reticulation system.
The district referral hospital’s water situation has also worsened following a break down of one of the main water pumps.
Although the Department of Public Works and the local authority have managed to fix some of the water problems, the hospital is still running short of the precious liquid.
There is only one borehole supplying both the hospital and staff residence.
Admitted patients’ relatives are bringing them water for use at the health institution.
A hospital staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity said the situation needs to be urgently addressed to avoid an outbreak of diarrheal diseases.
“The hospital’s water system needs a complete overhaul. We are struggling to get adequate water supplies at the hospital, mainly because of the ageing pipes which needs a complete overhaul.
“When we engaged the council, they told us that their role is to supply water to the main pipe and the water reticulation at the hospital is done by the Department of Public Works,” said the source.
Assistant District Development Coordinator, Mr Teddius Beto confirmed the situation at the hospital and said they are working with various stakeholders to restore supply.
“The hospital has been facing water challenges for a while and the situation is bad. We have been engaging all responsible departments to come on board and the situation has improved, although water is still in short supply.
“We are appealing to various stakeholders to come on board and assist through water trucking, as well as the replacement of the hospital’s water pumps,” said Mr Beto.