Staff Reporter
Kwekwe General Hospital Sister-in-Charge for Norias Mapingire, has raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure and overcrowding at the hospital, saying the facility is struggling to cope with the growing number of expectant mothers due to limited space.
Mapingire made the remarks during the handover of clothing and diapers to the first two New Year babies of 2026 delivered at Kwekwe General Hospital.
The donation was made by Kwekwe Mayor Cllr Albert Zinhanga and forms part of the 2025 Kwekwe Mayor’s Christmas Cheerfund proceeds.
Speaking at the event, Mapingire thanked the City of Kwekwe for the gesture and congratulated the mothers, describing the first baby as “Kwekwe resident number one of 2026.” She also commended midwives for their continued dedication despite challenging working conditions.
“Kwekwe General Hospital usually records large numbers of deliveries. Although we have only two New Year babies so far, we currently have 26 antenatal mothers who are expected to deliver today or tomorrow,” she said.
Mapingire highlighted that the maternity wing is operating beyond its capacity, with some patients being accommodated in corridors due to limited ward space.
“The infrastructure is too small for the population of Kwekwe. The department is overflowing and while we try to make everyone comfortable, we urgently need more resources and expansion of infrastructure,” she said.
In his remarks, Mayor Zinhanga said the City had expanded its traditional programme of honouring Christmas babies to also include New Year babies as a way of welcoming the new year and appreciating mothers.
“Traditionally, we have been honouring Christmas babies, but we saw it fit to also welcome the year with new babies. We are appreciating the parents who gifted us with the first Kwekwe residents of 2026,” said Zinhanga.
He also applauded hospital staff for their continued service delivery under difficult circumstances, saying the City Fathers appreciate the work being done at the institution.
