FOR mothers in Sande Village of Mansa District, the journey to safe childbirth has often been lit only by the glow of a mobile phone.
The rural health post, which serves over 4,000 people in Chief Mabumba’s Chiefdom, struggles daily with electricity outages and a lack of basic medical supplies.
Yesterday, ZESCO Limited extended its helping hand with essential supplies such as baby diapers, BP machines and maternity sanitary pads.
While the items do not solve the electricity problem, but they offer relief for vulnerable patients.
Speaking during the handover of the donation, ZESCO board chairperson Vickson Ncube, said the utility was committed to supporting communities hosting its power infrastructure.
“My wish would have been to deliver a solar solution where I know the ladies will be delivering with light and not light from a phone,” said Ncube.
Welcoming the support, the facility’s Midwife Gershom Chimpinde complained that delivering babies at night is a constant challenge.
Chimpinde requested for a maternity annex, which would separate deliveries from other hospital services and reduce the risk of infections.
“We are requesting help to build a maternity annex to be separate from the main building because of the large population that we are yet to service,” Chimpinde said.
“The facility is also currently operating without electricity, due to vandalized infrastructure, making it hard for us to deliver during the night.”
The clinic sees over 300 patients every month, but limited space and outdated facilities mean that not every patient can be treated safely.
With the Mansa 50MW solar plant set to be commissioned this December, the health post is expected to benefit and finally gain reliable electricity.
By George Musonda
Kalemba November 9, 2025
