In a major relief for residents of Shurugwi and surrounding areas, the Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary has reopened its doors to the public after seven years of closure, thanks to collaborative efforts between local Member of Parliament Joseph Mpasi and several mining companies operating in the area.
The reopening marks a significant milestone for the mining town, which has for years struggled without a public mortuary, forcing bereaved families to rely on expensive private funeral parlours in Gweru and other nearby towns.
Commissioning the mortuary, the Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister, Owen Ncube, said the rehabilitation was born out of strategic public private partnerships.
“This initiative reflects the positive impact of our engagement and re-engagement policy, fostering strategic public-private partnerships that contribute to our goal of a prosperous and empowered society by 2030,” Ncube declared.
Speaking at the official reopening ceremony, MP Mpasi said the initiative was part of a broader effort to improve health service delivery in the district.
“We have witnessed many families suffer due to lack of a functional mortuary. Some would travel long distances to access such services. This reopening was made possible through strong partnerships between government and the mining sector,” said Mpasi.
He added that the refurbishment and re-equipping of the mortuary were made possible through contributions from both large-scale and small-scale miners operating in and around Shurugwi.
The facility now boasts modern refrigeration equipment, improved storage capacity, and enhanced hygiene standards — developments expected to ease pressure on local communities and healthcare workers.
- Politicians must walk their peace talk
- 9 bodies lie unclaimed at Gokwe mortuary
- Matemadanda blasts Zanu PF Midlands leadership
- Parirenyatwa stuck with 32 unclaimed bodies
Keep Reading
A health official in the area welcomed the development, describing it as a “game changer” for the district’s health services.
“This mortuary will go a long way in restoring dignity to our health system and providing relief to families during difficult times,” he said.
Residents expressed joy and gratitude over the reopening, saying it would save them both time and money.
“It was a nightmare each time a loved one passed away. We had to transport bodies to Gweru, which was costly and emotionally draining. We are thankful to our MP and the partners who made this possible,” said local resident, Lucia Moyo.
The new facility was made possible through a US$30 000 financial contribution from Chengetai Cheng Xi Investments, alongside a solar inverter and four 48-volt lithium batteries donated by UNKI Mine. Additionally, Shurugwi Town Council contributed US$1 000 for the procurement of a solar backup armored cable.
The rehabilitation work included the installation of new cold room equipment by Cooling Savers Pvt Ltd, as well as the repair of doors and fresh paint.
