By Nyasha Chuma
Harare- RENOVATIONS are in full swing at the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Ward and the iconic Adlum House ( student nurses’ residence at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals) expected to reopen in early September,Timelynews can report .
The overhaul is being led by Prevail International a development firm led by Presidential International Investment advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara.
The project seeks to breathe new life into the once dilapidated health care infrastructure with view of providing a more dignified and efficient environment for future health workers.
Speaking to journalists during a site visit Thursday , Prevail International’s project manager Vanessa Butao revealed that comprehensive upgrades are being carried out on 356 rooms at Adlum House.
Each floor is now equipped with modern restrooms which is a major improvement from the previously outdated facilities.
“We’ve completed electrical and plumbing works.
” The building used to suffer from serious leakages, and most bathrooms were unusable. We’ve now added four extra bathrooms per floor catering for up to 353 student residents,” Butao said.
She further noted that due to the deteriorated state of the building capacity had been drastically reduced to just 40 occupants.
“Now with the restoration work and improved water systems including the drilling of eight boreholes and a 30,000-litre water reserve, students will have consistent water supply. We’ve also refurbished the swimming pool for recreational use,” she added.
To tackle power challenges, 200 solar panels have been installed atop Adlum House ensuring a stable energy supply for essential services such as lighting, hot water, and security.
“We’re not just making cosmetic changes. This is a full-scale redesign to meet modern standards.
” These upgrades are crucial for improving the wellbeing, efficiency and dignity of our student nurses,” Butao emphasized.
Prevail International’s communications officer Tariro Dondo, said the initiative would soon be extended to rural health institutions as well.
“Prevail International is a multi-sector projects company committed to national development. Guided by the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind and we intend to replicate these improvements across other health facilities countrywide,” Dondo said.
Health experts say the ongoing renovations signal a transformative step for the country’s health care training facilities.
” This move will directly benefit hundreds of nursing students who represent the next generation of frontline health workers,” said the health expert.