It is both an honour and a privilege for me, on behalf of Nedbank, to stand before you today as we officially break ground for the Edith Opperman Maternity Hospital Clinic Project. 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.
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.
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.
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 Hospital 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.
For Nedbank, this project reflects our enduring belief that banks must be more than financial institutions; we must be partners in national development. 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 (PPP). PPPs bring together the strengths of both sectors:
- Government provides policy direction, oversight, and alignment with national priorities;
- The private sector contributes capital, technical expertise, innovation, and efficient project execution.
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.
Our Scope of work encompasses the following:
- Roof repairs and repainting
- Interior and exterior wall repairs and painting
- Ceiling repairs and replacement (including pine ceilings)
- Brick dressing and general structural maintenance
- Driveway paving and access improvements
- Front wall construction
- Retiling of floors with high‑traffic and non‑slip tiles
- Renovation of delivery rooms
- Refurbishment of reception area and counters
- Refurbishment of toilets and bathrooms
- Replacement of plumbing fixtures (toilets, basins, taps, showers)
- Rewiring and electrical works
To meet the power needs of the hospital we have also purchases a 22KVA generator plus 12KVA full solar system.
This is all valued at US$113,000 with labour cost coming I at US$32,000.00
- Incubators (4 units) – for neonatal care
- Baby resuscitators (2 units) – for emergency newborn resuscitation
- Delivery beds (4 units) – replacement of outdated delivery beds
- Ward beds (30 units) – for maternity and post‑natal wards
- Bedside lockers (30 units) – patient storage and hygiene support
- Bins and linen
- Resuscitator (1 unit)
- Vital organs monitoring machines (1 unit)
- Autoclave (1 unit)
- centrifudge (1 unit)
Some of the equipment has already been delivered with the rest expected in by 30 April 2026
To our contractors and medical suppliers, we count on your professionalism, quality workmanship, and adherence to the highest standards of safety and ethics. 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.
To the media, we thank you for being our partners in transparency and accountability, and for helping to tell the story of progress and collaboration.
As we stand on the threshold of commencement of this project, let us remember that this foundation represents hope — hope for safer pregnancies, healthier newborns, and stronger families. It represents what is possible when institutions come together with a shared vision to serve the greater good.
On behalf of Nedbank, I reaffirm our commitment to this project and to future partnerships that uplift communities, strengthen public services, and contribute to Zimbabwe’s sustainable development.
Let us work together to ensure that this clinic is delivered on time, to the highest standards, and with lasting impact.
