The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
EKUPHUMULENI Geriatric Home in Bulawayo is calling on well wishers to assist it with an industrial washing machine to help in providing clean linen and clothes for the aged.
“We have the aged that are contingent and the problem is that we have to change their linen at least twice a day together with their clothes so every day we wash close to 300 pieces of clothing and linen which is a mammoth task as this is done manually,” said Ms Sukoluhle Hove, the home’s administrator.
She said some washing machines that were previously donated broke down.
“Due to the constant repairing they have been subjected to over the years, they are now irreparable so we are looking for a donation or funding towards getting an industrial washing machine.
If possible we could get a launderette where we have a sluice where we first remove solid waste then we have the washer, dryer and a roller iron.
That will make our work easier as all our laundry is hand washed every day,” she said.
The home was opened in the 1970s and initially Government used to assist but because of economic challenges, funding has dwindled.
Ekuphumuleni has a capacity to take up 62 people. The centre houses those who are more than 65 years and have medical problems such as stroke, diabetes, and hypertension and other illnesses that the family at home is unable to cope with.
Ms Hove said the home was also facing other challenges besides laundry.
The institution received 50,33 hectares of land in 2016 near the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport where they were to generate income and also grow food for the home.
“Unfortunately there is no water,” said Ms Hove.
Those admitted at the home are expected to pay $150 per month in addition to provisions that include diapers, latex gloves, insecticides and air fresheners.
However, officials said some relatives have failed to keep up with the payments.
