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Lupane Hospital construction delays spark political storm
2 hrs ago |
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Delays in the construction of the long-awaited Lupane Provincial Hospital have reignited political debate, with critics questioning government priorities and the pace of infrastructure development in Matabeleland North.
Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele has strongly criticised the stalled project, linking it to broader governance concerns and the focus on the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
Molokele said claims that the hospital had been completed—reportedly featured on campaign material ahead of the 2023 elections—were misleading.
"There has not been a provincial hospital that has been constructed yet in Matabeleland North. Not now. Not ever," he said.
Located in Lupane, the facility was expected to serve as a key referral centre for the province, which remains without a fully operational provincial hospital more than four decades after independence.
Residents currently depend heavily on institutions such as St Luke's Hospital, which functions as both a district facility and a de facto provincial referral centre.
Molokele argued that the situation undermines citizens' constitutional right to healthcare, with many patients forced to travel long distances to access treatment in Bulawayo or even across borders into South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
He said a recent visit to the construction site revealed little progress.
"The area appeared abandoned, with only security personnel on site," he said.
Beyond the hospital, Molokele pointed to several other delayed projects in the province, including the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, Lupane State University, and major road networks such as the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls and Bulawayo–Nkayi roads.
He urged authorities to prioritise essential infrastructure over political reforms.
"Logic demands that more energy and resources be invested towards completing the hospital than being obsessed with staying in power," he said.
Government has previously maintained that infrastructure development remains a national priority and that no region will be left behind, although firm timelines for completion of several projects have yet to be provided.
The stalled Lupane hospital project has become a focal point in wider national discussions around service delivery, development equity and policy direction, with analysts warning that prolonged delays risk deepening regional disparities if not urgently addressed.
Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele has strongly criticised the stalled project, linking it to broader governance concerns and the focus on the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
Molokele said claims that the hospital had been completed—reportedly featured on campaign material ahead of the 2023 elections—were misleading.
"There has not been a provincial hospital that has been constructed yet in Matabeleland North. Not now. Not ever," he said.
Located in Lupane, the facility was expected to serve as a key referral centre for the province, which remains without a fully operational provincial hospital more than four decades after independence.
Residents currently depend heavily on institutions such as St Luke's Hospital, which functions as both a district facility and a de facto provincial referral centre.
Molokele argued that the situation undermines citizens' constitutional right to healthcare, with many patients forced to travel long distances to access treatment in Bulawayo or even across borders into South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
"The area appeared abandoned, with only security personnel on site," he said.
Beyond the hospital, Molokele pointed to several other delayed projects in the province, including the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, Lupane State University, and major road networks such as the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls and Bulawayo–Nkayi roads.
He urged authorities to prioritise essential infrastructure over political reforms.
"Logic demands that more energy and resources be invested towards completing the hospital than being obsessed with staying in power," he said.
Government has previously maintained that infrastructure development remains a national priority and that no region will be left behind, although firm timelines for completion of several projects have yet to be provided.
The stalled Lupane hospital project has become a focal point in wider national discussions around service delivery, development equity and policy direction, with analysts warning that prolonged delays risk deepening regional disparities if not urgently addressed.
Source - Southern Eye
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