United Bulawayo hospitals and Mpilo Central installed 350kwp solar systems.
United Bulawayo hospitals (UBH) and Mpilo Central are set for a 350kw power solar systems each installed under the theme SOLAR FOR HEALTH, a courtesy of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of Zimbabwe partnership scheme, it was revealed Wednesday 22 May 2024.
This was revealed during a tour of the two major referral hospitals in Bulawayo by UNDP resident representative Dr Ayodele Odusola and government officials, the government officials included Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti permanent secretary for presidential affairs office of the president and cabinet, Paul Nyoni secretary for provincial affairs and devolution and ambassador Rudo Chitiga permanent secretary of ministry of skills audit.
The United Nations Development Programme was able to showcase the advancement in their work of supplying both hospitals solar systems which can generate 350kw of power which is 80% complete, and expected to be finished by July 2024, the solar systems are targeting critical areas such as cold chains, health information systems, laboratories, maternity wards and general lighting. https://www.undp.org/energy/our-flagship-initiatives/solar-for-health
“The Solar for health project commenced in 2017 in response to frequent electricity blackouts affecting public health services in Zimbabwe” said Dr Ayodele Odusola while the solar systems installed improve health services in Zimbabwe they will also promote climate action, create green jobs and develop local solar power markets and advance gender equality by training women as solar technicians in line with the President’s version 2030 of women empowerment.
“The days of giving birth under candle light and extra machines not working are gone, hence l would like to thank you Dr Ayodele Odusola and your team for the 19th local clinics that now have solar power, we really support and applaud the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme” said Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti assuring the government’s full support in it’s partnership with the UNDP.
The United Bulawayo hospitals representative Dr Trust Mushawarira said that their hospital engineers are looking forward to learning possible maintenance skills for the maintenance of the solar power systems installed and assured that members of the public will now receive improved clinical services.
