MAHUSEKWA - A classic referral hospital, constructed under partnership between governments of Zimbabwe and China, is nearing completion at Mahusekwa Business Centre in Marondera West.
The construction of the 129 bed medical centre started early this year and is expected to open its doors to patients before the middle of next year.
The project was a token of appreciation by the Chinese government for the kind hospitality and material benefits drawn from Zimbabwe. More than 170 locals benefited from the project as they were employed as casual labourers. Some of the workforce was recruited from Chegutu where the company also constructed a school, said a top government employee who refused to be identified.
Chinese officials at the site refused to speak to the media, referring questions to Chinese authorities in Beijing. Filming of the project was also prohibited as this would risk the unique plan being copied by rival architect companies. Even the government mouth piece, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH), was denied opportunity to film the magnificent structure.
The hospital suspended on pillars, is a two storey, three floor structure with a basement. Electrical lifts and pavements for wheel chair traffic will be installed and, when operational, it will offer services to more than a million people. The noble project has been criticised as a Zanu (PF) campaign project, to retain rural support for party Member of Parliament, Ambrose Mutinhiri.
Zanu (PF) used its political muscle and blind allegiance of Marondera Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Tendai Gundo, to locate the project at Mahusekwa. This was despite the area having a big hospital at nearby Madamombe. Zanu (PF) big wigs such as Ambrose Mutinhiri, Sydney Sekeramayi and the late Doctor Hebert Ushewekunze among others come from the constituency and influenced citing of the hospital at the business center, said a top Zanu (PF) District Coordinating Committee member.
Villagers in the area expressed joy at the construction of the hospital describing it as the best thing that has ever happened in the constituency.
The area stands to benefit from the project, as the growth point would be developed to a mini-city to attract medical specialists and business people. Houses for doctors and shopping malls would be constructed as hospital supporting services. Locals would benefit out of subsequent creation of employment at the centre, said an excited local. Taurai Bande
Post published in: News