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By Marlvin Ngiza
Many expecting women will have the worrisome burdens lifted off their shoulders following the construction of a Maternity Ward in Ward 2 of Wiltshire in Chikomba west.
The development will see expecting mothers accessing good shelter at a low cost without travelling long distances.
The project is being spearheaded by Hwirisha Trust which comprises residents, community members working in different towns, and others living in the diaspora.
Speaking to Spiked Online Media, Hwirisha Trust Chairperson Valentine Chikosi said the project is 80 percent complete and is expected to be functional by October this year.
“The project is almost 80% complete. We are finalising on roofing and will start working on the interior. Resources permitting, the project is expected to be completed and ready for use by end of October,” said Chikosi.
Chikosi indicated that the project is meant to provide shelter for expecting mothers, thereby eliminating challenges that have been faced by the community for decades.
He added that the maternity ward will cater to the whole Wiltshire stretching from Headquarters to Sabi River including all ranching farms.
“We understand how women in the society are struggling to access such social services. That is why we had to come up with such an initiative and give back to society.
“We are also bringing decency and modernity to the Gandami clinic by procuring modern beds from abroad. The project will benefit all residents in Wiltshire from Headquarters to Sabi river, and all those in Machoi and ranch farms,” he added.
One of the women beneficiaries, Rebecca Sitima said the project is a welcome development in society and will go a long way in ensuring easy accessibility of health and social services by women.
She also highlighted that currently expectant mothers are going to Sadza or Chivhu General Hospitals for attention and this is costly.
“Once the project is completed, pregnant mothers will access shelter and attention easily and cheaply.
“This will also eliminate cases of mothers giving birth in homes or on their way to health centres,” said Sitima.
Nicole Gondo, a Hwirisha Trust committee member working in the United Kingdom told this publication that the struggle she saw women going through to access waiting shelters for expecting mothers has prompted her into contributing towards the construction of this maternity ward.
“Charity begins at home. I am so passionate about social justice and believe in tackling inequalities at the family and community level so when I heard about the project I was naturally drawn to it.
“This gesture will ensure safe childbirths in the community,” said Gondo.
A young man who wanted to be identified as Joe told this publication that the initiative is a milestone achievement in the community in ensuring quality social services for young women.
He also pointed out that residents sometimes use scotch carts to ferry pregnant mothers to the clinic when their time to give birth has come.
“This will ensure safe shelter for our wives while waiting to give birth at the clinic.
“The situation at the moment is not pleasing since there is no adequate shelter at the clinic. Sometimes we use scotch carts to ferry our wives to the clinic. Some even walk on foot or hire vehicles at night when the time for their wives to give birth has come,” said Joe.
Hwirisha Trust runs with the theme “Ziva kwawakabva”, a Shona phrase meaning remember your origin. It has a mission of closing the social service deficit in and around Wiltshire.