BY SILAS NKALA
BLOCK of flats housing doctors at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo was on Wednesday night gutted by fire, damaging property worth US$500 000.
Doctors and health workers jumped out of the building through windows as the fire spread.
Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive Solwayo Ngwenya confirmed the incident yesterday.
“It affected 39 health workers and their families. We were lucky that no one was seriously injured. One person suffered a broken ankle and another had smoke inhalation effects, but is in a stable condition,” Ngwenya said.
“Our thoughts are with the affected members and their families. The hospital is arranging alternative accommodation for them.”
The Fire Brigade arrived at the scene 30 minutes after the fire broke out armed with faulty equipment. Ngwenya said some residents reported seeing sparks from an electricity distribution box which they suspected could have caused the fire.
“However, the fire brigade is investigating to establish the exact cause of the fire,” Ngwenya said.
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“The estimated cost of damage to property is US$500 000. We hope to rise from this setback and continue to give service to many of our patients.”
Council chief fire officer Lynos Phiri said they were still investigating the cause of the fire.
In 2019, fire destroyed an adjacent hostel following an electrical fault.
Terrible things at our hospital. Thixo why us, why?? Mpilo Central Hospital our only pride!! Why!! Gutted!! pic.twitter.com/8yhoeOCcYZ
— Professor Solwayo Ngwenya (@Solwayo1) May 26, 2021
Ngwenya said some staff residents reported seeing sparks of fire from an electrical distribution box and they suspect that this could be the cause of the fire.
Making an Urgent Appeal to The Government of Zimbabwe and all who can help, to pool together resources to assist Mpilo Hospital Doctors faced with these difficult circumstances. pic.twitter.com/OWPjXeaDw6
— Dr Hlupani Tichaona Chipunza (@htchipunza) May 26, 2021
Bulawayo City Council Chief Fire officer Linmos Phiri said they were still investigating the cause of the fire and the cost of damage.
