Women in Thazima and surrounding communities in Traditional Authority Katumbi in Rumphi District are set to benefit from improved access to maternal healthcare following the launch of construction works of a health centre in the area.
The K698.8 million facility, which will be constructed under the Reformed K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF), is expected to reduce cases of pregnant women delivering in transit to distant health facilities and deaths among children due to delays in accessing medical attention.
In an interview on Monday, Kapiri Village Development Committee vice-chairperson Eunice Chilembo said women currently travel about 20 kilometres to Katowo Rural Hospital or Mwazisi Health Centre.
“Those who prefer to travel on public transport pay about K20 000 one way to Mwazisi Health Centre,” she said.
Chilembo said the long distance is particularly challenging for pregnant women and critically ill patients requiring urgent medical attention, especially at night.
“Once completed, the health centre will help save lives because people will receive timely medical attention within their communities. Pregnant women will also be able to access maternity services without travelling long distances,” she said.
Senior Chief Katumbi said the facility will help to reduce deaths resulting from delays in accessing health facilities and urged government to ensure contractors are paid on time to facilitate timely completion of the project.
But the chief warned his subjects against stealing construction materials and pledged to monitor the project to ensure smooth implementation.
“We have long struggled to access healthcare services, therefore, it will be embarrassing if some people vandalise or steal the materials,” said Katumbi.
Rumphi District Council chairperson Alfred Butao appealed to contractors to ensure that they deliver quality work so that they can maintain public trust.
Construction of a maternity wing at Mwazisi Health Centre, staff houses for public institutions and expansion of Swaya Piped Water are among other projects to be implemented in the constituency during the 2026/27 financial year.
