Diocese builds 6 staff houses at health centre
Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church Vicar General Monsignor Laurent Dziko says the construction of six staff houses at St. Cynthia Health Centre at Chisankhwa in Chitipa District will improve service delivery.
Speaking on Saturday after blessing, dedicating and handing over the houses to staff members in Traditional Authority Mwabulambya, he said the project signifies the diocese’s commitment towards complementing government’s efforts to providing people with quality healthcare services.
“We, therefore, appeal to occupants and the community to take good care of the houses,” said Dziko.
While commending the diocese for the project, group village head Mwakabanga said the houses will motivate healthcare workers to work hard.
“We thank the diocese for the health facility and the houses. People are now getting healthcare services within the village,” he said.
Chitipa District director of health services George Kasondo thanked the diocese for the initiative, saying it complements the council’s health sector strategic plan number three which strives at ensuring that patients seek medical care within five kilometres (km) radius.
He said: “The health facility has reduced the 20km distance patients were enduring to Chitipa District Hospital.
“These houses will motivate staff to work hard. We will take routine inspections to ensure that the facilities are being taken care of.”
Dr. Steven Peck, who funded construction of the health centre and the houses through the United States of America-based Cross Catholic Outreach, expressed optimism that the health facility will save children’s lives.
“We are glad to make this contribution to the community which will now access healthcare services within a short distance,” he said.
The six houses at the health centre, which serves a population of 10 000, cost $242 744. The houses are also connected to a solar-powered water system valued at $20 00
