Masvingo Urban Member of Parliament, Advocate Martin Mureri, has donated 16 brand-new beds to the Masvingo Old People’s Home.
The donation, made possible through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), addresses long-standing challenges faced by the institution, where residents had been sleeping on broken beds or the floor due to deteriorated furniture.
The donation comes after Hon. Mureri visited the facility and was deeply disturbed by the living conditions, where many elderly residents were forced to sleep on damaged beds or the bare floor due to chronic shortages of proper bedding. The situation had become so dire that some seniors preferred the floor to avoid back pain from old, worn-out mattresses.
Speaking during the official handover, Hon. Mureri said his compassion for the elderly stems from losing his grandparents at a young age. “Their absence left a lasting void in my life,” he shared. “This donation is my way of honouring them through you.”
The newly acquired beds, one for each room at the facility, were described by the matron as a “lifesaving intervention” that would bring much-needed relief and comfort to the home’s aging occupants.
Local authorities, including Mayor Councilor Tabe and Councilor Zishiri, joined the event to show their support. In a show of solidarity, Councilor Zishiri also donated five live chickens to boost the home’s nutrition, while Mayor Tabe contributed 60 kilograms of rice and pledged to push the City Council to address further needs at the facility.
“As the Mayor of Masvingo, I deeply admire Hon. Mureri’s compassion. His leadership has made a real difference, and I pray he continues to serve for many years,” Tabe said.
Religious and community leaders echoed the appreciation, with Pastor Mukonoweri commending the MP’s commitment to the marginalized. “While many wealthy people donate to their peers, it’s rare to see someone prioritizing the forgotten elderly. This is what true leadership looks like,” he said.
An elderly woman, speaking on behalf of fellow residents, tearfully thanked the officials: “We are often told we are invisible to society, but today we feel seen and loved. May blessings follow all of you.”
The donation marks a significant step in improving the welfare of the elderly in Masvingo and sets an example for other leaders to follow. Hon. Mureri concluded the event by promising continued support for the home and reaffirmed his pledge to inclusive community development.
