Nedbank commissions refurbishment of Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic

STAFF WRITER

Nedbank Zimbabwe has partnered with Harare City Council to refurbish and retool the Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic in Mbare under a US$237 000 health infrastructure initiative aimed at improving maternal care.

Speaking during the project groundbreaking ceremony, Nedbank Acting Managing Director Heresy Herry said the initiative reflected a shared commitment between the private sector and public authorities to strengthen healthcare delivery.

“This occasion marks not only the commencement of refurbishment works, but also a powerful statement of shared purpose, partnership, and commitment to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” Herry said.

He expressed appreciation to the Government of Zimbabwe, particularly the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, for providing the leadership and support that enabled the project to take shape.

“Allow me first to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Zimbabwe, particularly the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, for the leadership, guidance, and support that have made this project possible. We are deeply honoured by your presence today, which underscores the importance that Government places on improving maternal and child health services,” he said.

Herry also acknowledged the City of Harare leadership for working closely with the bank to deliver the project.

“I would also like to acknowledge His Worship, the Mayor of Harare, and the City of Harare leadership for their collaboration and unwavering commitment to strengthening health infrastructure within the city. Your partnership has been instrumental in translating vision into action,” he said.

He said maternal and child health remained central to sustainable national development, noting that the refurbished facility would expand access to quality maternity services while easing pressure on existing healthcare centres.

“Maternal and child health lies at the heart of sustainable national development. Healthy mothers raise healthy families, and healthy families build resilient communities. The Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic will play a critical role in expanding access to quality maternal healthcare, easing pressure on existing facilities, and ensuring that expectant mothers receive dignified, safe, and timely care,” Herry said.

The project is being implemented as a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) between Nedbank and Harare City Council.

“For Nedbank, this project reflects our enduring belief that banks must be more than financial institutions; we must be partners in national development,” he said.

“Our involvement in this initiative is rooted in our commitment to environmental, social and governance responsibility and our desire to contribute meaningfully to the lives of the people we serve.

“This project is a strong example of what can be achieved through a Public–Private Partnership. By working together, we are able to deliver infrastructure that is sustainable, impactful and responsive to community needs. This partnership ensures that public resources are complemented by private sector capability, ultimately delivering greater value to citizens.”

As part of the refurbishment, the bank has also invested in critical power infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted operations at the maternity facility.

“To meet the power needs of the hospital, we have also purchased a 22KVA generator and a 12KVA full solar system,” Herry said.

The power infrastructure, together with labour costs for the refurbishment works, is valued at approximately US$145 000.

In addition, Nedbank has already procured medical equipment worth about US$92 000 to support maternal and neonatal care at the facility.

The equipment includes four neonatal incubators, two baby resuscitators for emergency newborn resuscitation, four delivery beds to replace outdated equipment, 30 ward beds for maternity and post-natal wards, and 30 bedside lockers to support patient storage and hygiene.

Other equipment includes bins and linen, a resuscitator, a vital organs monitoring machine, an autoclave for sterilisation, and a centrifuge for laboratory testing.

Some of the equipment has already been delivered, with the remaining units expected to arrive by April 30, 2026.

Herry urged contractors and medical suppliers involved in the project to maintain the highest professional standards during the refurbishment process.

“To our contractors and medical suppliers, we count on your professionalism, quality workmanship, and adherence to the highest standards of safety and ethics,” he said.

“This is not just a refurbishment project; it is a healthcare lifeline for thousands of families, and we trust you will execute it with the seriousness and care it deserves.”