Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital has been without electricity for almost two months after lightning struck the transformer that supplies power to the facility.
Hospital public relations officer Gift Muzondo said the prolonged blackout had caused serious security and safety problems.
He said staff are struggling to monitor patients at night and are having to rely on an unreliable solar backup system.
“We are in crisis. Our transformer was struck by lightning on April 7, 2026, and the whole institution has no electricity. I am appealing to the Government and well-wishers to come to our aid,” said Muzondo.
He said the lack of electricity had made conditions dangerous at the psychiatric hospital, where some patients need constant supervision and a controlled environment.
The hospital has turned to solar power, but the backup system reportedly fails in bad weather, leaving wards and staff quarters in the dark.
Muzondo said the blackout had raised the risk of patients running away, fighting or becoming violent. Staff were also at risk when caring for patients at night.
More: Masvingo Mirror
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