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Lupane Hospital project stalls over millions owed
2 hrs ago |
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The long-awaited Lupane Provincial Hospital project in Matabeleland North has stalled once again because of severe funding constraints, reigniting frustration over a decades-old struggle to establish a provincial referral hospital in the province.
Parliament was told that construction of the hospital is only 22.7% complete, while the contractor is owed more than US$2 million in outstanding payments.
The latest setback has angered residents and legislators, with Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokela-Tsiye saying people in the province were tired of repeated promises, 46 years after independence.
Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini told the National Assembly that the project had been hampered by serious cash-flow challenges, forcing the contractor to temporarily demobilise from the site.
"Lupane Provincial Hospital in Matabeleland North Province is currently 22.7% complete," Kwidini said.
He added that the government owed the contractor more than US$2 million in outstanding payment certificates.
The stalled project has renewed concerns over the government's ability to complete major health infrastructure projects in Matabeleland North, where residents have long called for improved access to specialised healthcare.
The hospital has been regarded as a key component of efforts to improve healthcare services in the province and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to access specialist treatment.
For residents who have waited decades for the facility, the latest funding crisis represents another setback to a project that has repeatedly been delayed by financial and implementation challenges.
Parliament was told that construction of the hospital is only 22.7% complete, while the contractor is owed more than US$2 million in outstanding payments.
The latest setback has angered residents and legislators, with Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokela-Tsiye saying people in the province were tired of repeated promises, 46 years after independence.
Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini told the National Assembly that the project had been hampered by serious cash-flow challenges, forcing the contractor to temporarily demobilise from the site.
He added that the government owed the contractor more than US$2 million in outstanding payment certificates.
The stalled project has renewed concerns over the government's ability to complete major health infrastructure projects in Matabeleland North, where residents have long called for improved access to specialised healthcare.
The hospital has been regarded as a key component of efforts to improve healthcare services in the province and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to access specialist treatment.
For residents who have waited decades for the facility, the latest funding crisis represents another setback to a project that has repeatedly been delayed by financial and implementation challenges.
Source - Southern Eye
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