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Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
THE construction of Lupane Provincial Hospital has been stalled by the government’s failure to raise $55 million that is needed for the final phase of the project.

Work at the hospital in Matabeleland North’s capital was suspended in 2005 due to economic challenges.

Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Chiratidzo Mabuwa recently told Parliament that the construction of the 438-bed hospital is one of many projects that were suspended due to a shortage of funds.

Mabuwa said this on behalf of Finance and Economic Development Patrick Chinamasa following a question by Lupane legislator Mail Nkomo in the National Assembly.

“At the time of the suspension, structures for staff accommodation, OPD (Out Patients Department), and pharmacy were at superstructure level with the rest of the other structures being at foundation level. The project is, therefore, one of the many that have stalled on account of resource constraints as the current estimated construction requirement of $55 million can’t be met from our limited budgetary resources,” said Mabuwa.

The Deputy Minister said construction activities would commence as soon as funds are available.

“Cognisant of our budgetary limitations, the targeted approach we’re implementing in the health sector aims to revitalise services by ring fencing the limited resources towards a few health institutions targeting rehabilitation and maintenance of existing infrastructure.

“As the cash flow improves, the government should be able to direct resources towards construction of the hospital which remains a priority project for the provincial capital of Matabeleland North Province,” said Mabuwa.

She said the government has been constructing hospital facilities across the country to ensure equitable access to health services for citizens.

“Construction of Lupane Provincial Hospital in Matabeleland North province started in 2003 with the contract being awarded to Zimbabwe Jiangsu International.

“The scope of the project entails construction of a 438-bed hospital comprising of an outpatient and casualty department, pharmacy, dental and eye unit, mortuary and laboratory,” said Mabuwa.

Other facilities include a psychiatric unit, a multi-disciplinary school and staff accommodation.

The construction of the hospital is part of several government projects initiated after Lupane was declared Matabeleland North’s provincial capital in 1999.

Some of the projects include the construction of Lupane State University, a government office complex and a dam – Bubi-Lupane.

The university is yet to relocate as construction of all the necessary infrastructure is yet to be completed.