The ManicaPost
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Senior Reporter
MUTARE City Council has partnered with the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and Rotary Club Mutare (RCM) to mobilise the business community to donate part of the US$1,4 million required for the rehabilitation of the Mutare Infectious Diseases Hospital.
While the CZI and the RCM have committed to mobilising ZW$1,3 million, more funds will be required to refurbish and equip the institution.
Last week, Mutare Town Clerk Mr Joshua Maligwa said a total of US$1,4 million will get the job done.
City Health Director Dr Anthony Mutara said some structural changes will be made on the hospital to ensure the building meets the requirements for isolation facilities. “Once resources are made available, renovation work will commence without delay.
“CZI have come on board and we are also waiting for the disbursement of funds from Government,” he said.
CZI Manicaland president Mrs Victoria Jakazi said the groundwork for raising the funds had been laid and the body was confident that the business community will come on board.
“Together with the Rotary Club Mutare, we are running around to raise money to renovate and equip the isolation centre. We are appealing to the business community for donations,” she said.
But in the meantime, a four-bed isolation centre has already been established at the Victoria Chitepo (Mutare) Provincial Hospital.
Patients who present to the institution with Covid-19 symptoms are tested and treated there.
The unit has been equipped with a ventilator and other equipment needed to ensure that patients receive the necessary care. Medical superintendent Dr Masanga Mutede said staff training on how to look after themselves and the patients was underway.
So far, the Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital has attended to three suspected cases of COVID-19, with all three testing negative.
