The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
RUSAPE General Hospital’s power problems are now a thing of the past following the commissioning of solar panels which generates 5 000 Watts a day.
The 120-panel solar plant which was installed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will reduce the hospital’s reliance on electricity power by a massive 80 percent.
The solar power is connected to all the hospital’s critical sections such as the five wards, mortuary, kitchen, laboratory, theatres and other departments.
The hospital’s maternity ward had solar power installed two years ago by a local development partner, Family Action for Community Empowerment (FACE ZIM), in conjunction with Engineers Without Borders.
Makoni District Medical Officer, Dr Tendai Nyafesu, said the installation of the solar plant has helped ease electricity challenges at the institution.
He added that during power cuts, they would rely on a generator that gobbles a lot of diesel.
“The solar plant was installed by UNDP working in conjunction with the Government to improve the prevailing situation at the health institutions. About 80 percent of our power needs are now being supported by solar energy and this is a positive development for us as this will reduce our electricity bill. Power cuts are now a thing of the past here,” said Dr Nyafesu.
“All our critical sections are now covered by solar. We are grateful to UNDP as this investment will help to improve the working conditions at the hospital. Power availability is a critical component in the smooth running of a big health institution like this one. We hope to engage more partners so that we become a 100 percent solar run institution. This should also include staff houses.
“Rusape General Hospital serves as a referral institution for 60 clinics in Makoni District, so electricity should always be available,” said Dr Nyafesu.
Rusape General Hospital is the second largest health facility in the province after Victoria Chitepo Hospital, with nine doctors, 150 nurses and several support staff.
The 260-bed institution services a population of around 350 000 in Makoni District.
