FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-The only psychiatric referral hospital in Masvingo Province, Ngomahuru has been in the dark for the past three weeks after its transformer was gutted by fire.
The situation has left the important institution which is playing a critical role in rehabilitating drug and substance abuse victims, operating on knife edge as provisions that require refrigeration are going bed.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Ngomahuru Public Relations Officer Gift Muzondo said the institution has been relying on limited solar backup power since the transformer was damaged but the alternative energy source is not enough to support the entire hospital.
“We are in need of electricity as a hospital. We have solar backup but it does not cater for the whole institution,” said Muzondo.
The hospital which is the second largest psychiatric institution in Zimbabwe after Ingutsheni Central Hospital, caters for hundreds of mental health patients, many of whom depend entirely on government support.
“Ngomahuru is a government institution and patients who are here do not pay anything,” he said.
According to Muzondo, officials from Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) visited the hospital to assess the situation and determine whether the damaged transformer could be repaired or replaced.
“ZESA came on site and assessed if they can provide a new transformer or fix the damaged one. They advised that a crane should be provided to help lift the transformer,” he explained.
However, despite the assessment having been done, the hospital says it is still waiting for repair works to begin.
“We are still waiting for them to come and fix it,” said Muzondo.
The prolonged power outage has also affected staff accommodation at the institution.
“We have staff residents that also need electricity,” he added.
Muzondo revealed that the hospital’s electrical infrastructure has been facing recurring challenges due to its ageing system.
“Every year the old electricity system wires burst, but this time around it is the transformer,” he said.
He said the institution is struggling to raise resources needed to replace old wire cables and upgrade the outdated electrical system.
“For this transformer to be fixed, the institution should also play its part. There are some wire cables that need to be removed because it is an old system so that we can put a new system,” he said.
The hospital is now appealing to donors and well-wishers for assistance.
“We are seeking assistance from donors and well-wishers who can help us raise money to purchase those wires so that when ZESA plays its part, we also play our part,” said Muzondo.
Opened in 1926, Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital is located about 52 kilometres from Masvingo town along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway and remains one of the country’s key mental health referral institutions.
