ZESCO lends a helping hand to Sande Village rural health post in Mansa

By GIDEON NYENDWA
ZESCO Limited has come to the aid of Sande Village Rural Health Post in Mansa District with a donation of essential medical supplies aimed at improving maternal health services in the area.
The health facility, which caters to more than 4,000 residents in Chief Mabumba’s Chiefdom, has long struggled with power outages and a shortage of basic medical necessities.
Expectant mothers have often had to rely on the dim light of mobile phones during childbirth due to the absence of electricity.
During the handover ceremony, ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube reaffirmed the utility company’s commitment to supporting communities that host its infrastructure.
“My wish would have been to deliver a solar solution where mothers can give birth with proper lighting and not depend on a phone’s torch,” Mr. Ncube said.
The donation, which included baby diapers, blood pressure machines, and maternity sanitary pads, may not solve the ongoing power crisis but offers much-needed relief to both healthcare workers and patients.
Midwife Gershom Chimpinde, who received the items on behalf of the facility, expressed gratitude to ZESCO and highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure.
“Delivering babies at night is a huge challenge because we have no power. We are appealing for a maternity annex to separate delivery services from other departments to reduce infection risks,” Mr. Chimpinde said.
The clinic handles over 300 patients monthly but continues to face difficulties due to inadequate space and outdated equipment.
However, hope is on the horizon as Sande Village is expected to benefit from the upcoming 50MW Mansa Solar Plant, which is set for commissioning this December.
Once operational, the plant is expected to provide stable electricity to nearby health facilities and communities.
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