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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

A GROUP of cross-border transporters, operating under the banner Crossborders for Economic Development (Crossborders for ED), on Monday, donated a solar-powered borehole to augment water supplies at the 140-bed Beitbridge District Hospital.

The group also committed to providing a water tank and offering additional support to the health institution, which has faced intermittent water supply challenges, adversely affecting the quality of care provided to patients.

Crossborders for ED chairperson (Beitbridge), Mr Blessing Mureyani, said the group mobilised resources through its members to help restore and enhance health services at the hospital.

The Government has already undertaken to upgrade the health institution into a major referral centre due to its geographical location at SADC’s busiest inland port and the African Union’s North-South Corridor.

“This is just the beginning. We are also looking at other areas to support our community to access quality services at this hospital. For a start, we have drilled a borehole that will be powered by solar energy, and we are going to provide an additional water tank. We believe that this initiative will, in the long run, complement what our Government is already doing to upgrade this health facility,” said Mr Mureyani.

He said the association was deeply concerned about some operational challenges at the Beitbridge District Hospital, which serves not only Beitbridge but also a significant number of travellers, including cross-border transporters and visitors from various SADC countries.

Mr Mureyani emphasised the importance of other community members joining in to support the hospital to ensure the continuity of quality health services.

The 140-bed hospital serves a local population of 250 000, alongside approximately 13 000 people transiting through the town daily, as well as patients from neighbouring districts such as Gwanda, Mberengwa, and Mwenezi.

In addition, the hospital handles an average of 350 baby deliveries per month, including caesarean sections, which require consistent and adequate water supplies.