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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Online Reporter 

MATABELELAND South Province has received $76 million for renovation and sprucing up isolation and quarantine centres.

The province houses two major entry points, namely Plumtree and Beitbridge border posts which has seen the province receive high numbers of deportees that are returning home from neighbouring countries.

This has resulted in the increased demand for quarantine and isolation space.

In a report on Covid-19 projects for the year 2020, Matabeleland South Provincial Public Works Director Mr Sijabuliso Ncube said four quarantine centres were being renovated in the province.

“Having completed the year 2020 with outstanding works in both isolation and quarantine centres there was still a need to complete these works hence the need for completion funds. In March the province received $76 500 000 toward of which $13 500 000 is for quarantine centres while $63 000 000 has been allocated towards isolation centres.

“Four quarantine centres are being renovated in the province namely DDF Training Centre in Gwanda, Esikhoveni Training Centre in Esigodini, Pangani Vocational Training Centre in Filabusi and Matobo Research Station in Matobo. Two other quarantine centres were scheduled for renovation namely Thuli Training Centre in Gwanda and Avoca Vocational Training in Mangwe but they didn’t receive funding. These centres will go a long way in easing the quarantine space that remains a challenge in the province,” he said.

Mr Ncube said three isolation centres were also being renovated, namely Gwanda Provincial Hospital, Beitbridge District Hospital and Plumtree District Hospital.

He said all the works were expected to have been completed by end July. – @DubeMatutu