Shurugwi District Hospital Unveils New Mortuary Facility
Francis
A significant milestone was achieved in Shurugwi with the handover of a refurbished 9-body mortuary to Shurugwi District Hospital. The event was graced by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube (MP), who highlighted the collaborative efforts behind this initiative.
The new facility was made possible through a USD 30,000 financial contribution from Chengetai Cheng Xi Investments, alongside a solar inverter and four 48-volt lithium batteries donated by UNKI Mine. Additionally, Shurugwi Town Council contributed USD 1,000 for the procurement of a solar backup armored cable. The rehabilitation work included the installation of new cold room equipment by Cooling Savers Pvt Ltd, as well as the repair of doors and fresh paint.
Minister Ncube praised the Second Republic's commitment to improving healthcare under President Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa's leadership. He stated that the mortuary's modernization is a key step in addressing previous challenges related to inadequate mortuary space, ensuring proper preservation of bodies for identification and legal processes.
“This initiative reflects the positive impact of our engagement and re-engagement policy, fostering strategic public-private partnerships that contribute to our goal of a prosperous and empowered society by 2030,” Ncube declared.
The Minister commended Cheng Xi for their ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which include:
- Establishing a gold milling center for community empowerment.
- Providing mining equipment to artisanal and small-scale miners.
- Supporting local infrastructure projects, including road improvements and educational resources.
- Community Impact
- Local residents expressed their gratitude for the new mortuary, emphasizing its importance during challenging times. One community member noted, "Having a facility like this ensures our loved ones are treated with dignity in their final moments."
In his address, Hon. Ncube also outlined the government's broader health sector transformation goals, including:
- Decentralizing nurse training to reach remote areas.
- Equipping district hospitals with essential medical tools and ambulances.
- Constructing new health facilities funded through devolution.
As the event concluded, Minister Ncube urged other corporations to engage in CSR efforts that benefit the community. He reaffirmed the Midlands Province's readiness to collaborate with progressive stakeholders to achieve national development goals.
With the commissioning of this modern mortuary, Shurugwi District Hospital takes a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare services, ensuring dignity and respect for the deceased.
