World Vision Zimbabwe hands over the Tongwe Waiting Mothers Shelter in Beitbridge District

By Munyaradzi T. Nkomo, Communications Officer, World Vision Zimbabwe

World Vision Zimbabwe handed over a state-of-the-art Tongwe Waiting Mothers Shelter to Beitbridge Rural District Council as a way of encouraging pregnant mothers to deliver at a health facility.  

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Tongwe Clinic, Beitbridge Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Peter Moyo applauded World Vision as one of the reliable development partners in the area.

“As a district, we are focusing on improving several areas including public health, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene among a few. We are receiving this infrastructure with open arms and open hearts, we appreciate what World Vision has done to the Beitbridge district,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, World Vision Zimbabwe National Director, Assan Golowa said the organisation complements government initiatives. He commended the Tongwe community for working with various partners to build the Waiting Mothers Shelter.

“This is not a World Vision structure, but a community one. World Vision just came in to support your efforts. We are here today, to celebrate together the success of these interventions which contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals Number 3, that of Good Health and Well-being, and Sustainable Goal Number 6 where we are working with the Government of Zimbabwe and partners to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. These interventions also align well with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 National Priorities. For example, one on Health and Well Being,” said Mr. Golowa.

Tongwe Waiting Mothers Shelter where expectant women can stay during their last six weeks of pregnancy is very critical in saving lives. The three-block structure has a kitchen, ablution facilities, and eight bedrooms which have a carrying capacity of 16 people. It has two flush toilets, and three shower cubicles where expecting mothers can bathe. One of the toilets and one shower cubicle were modified to cater for pregnant women with disabilities.

Neliwe Mathuthu who is expecting her second child, could not hide her joy as is looking forward to delivering at the new waiting mothers' shelter.

“This is a relief to us as women in the village. When I came to this clinic to deliver my first baby I faced challenges. I would go out of the clinic to search for water from a borehole that is far away. I would request those at home to bring water to the clinic. Now, I am happy because the water is available from the tap within this waiting mothers’ shelter. Unlike before, when expecting mothers would be crowded, this shelter is spacious and beautiful. There is a place to cook and store food,” she said.

Water to the newly commissioned Tongwe Waiting Mothers Shelter is drawn from a solar-powered piped water scheme which is located 4,5 killometres away from the clinic. Apart from supplying water to the health institution, the scheme supplies water to 307 people in the community and 356 children, and 9 teachers from Tongwe Primary School.