$287 mln pledge for new Mpilo hostels

Harare, (New Ziana) – The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on Tuesday pledged $287 million for the construction of accommodation quarters and canteens for health personnel based at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo.

The pledge followed a fire outbreak, the second in three years that destroyed the doctors’ residence at the hospital last week.

Reports indicate residents had to run for their lives while property worth nearly US$500 000 was destroyed in the fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.

At least 39 health workers and their families were affected.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa told journalists the cause of fire was still being investigated, while relief measures are being put into place.

“The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has pledged $287 million for the construction of single quarters and separate canteens for nurses and doctors as well as married quarters,” Mutsvangwa told a post-Cabinet media briefing.

“A special task force which is using new building technologies is on the ground as we speak.”

Mutsvangwa said the affected staff had been provided with accommodation, clothing, toiletries and food since the disaster occurred.

“Birth certificates and identity cards have been issued to all those in hostel accommodation and passports will be issued at the Registry Office,” she said.

To support the affected, various groupings also mobilized various donations to assist the affected health workers and their families.
New Ziana