Businessperson renovates health centre
A businessperson, Simbi Phiri, on Wednesday handed over Tembwe Health Centre in Mchinji district[Central Malawi] which he rehabilitated at an estimated cost of K200 million.
Phiri, who is also the executive chairperson of Khato Holdings, a civil engineering company in South Africa, said he renovated the health centre after noting the poor state it was in.
“As someone who comes from this area, I felt bad when I saw the facility, which was given to us by donors, in a bad state. I thought I should contribute towards the community,” he said.
Receiving the facility on behalf of government, Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume commended the South Africa based businessperson.
“I am impressed with the condition of this facility which is a generous gift from Simbi Phiri. I am grateful for the donation because it would have taken my ministry time to bring this facility to this state,” he said.
The minister urged Malawians to emulate the gesture by Phiri to support communities in need, especially in health services.
“There are Malawians who have money, but they wouldn’t give a tambala to anybody. We wait for people from Europe to give us aid, when we can give something to our neighbours. Let us contribute to the society,” said Kumpalume.
He asked people of Tembwe to ensure that the facility is properly taken care of and maintained.
The renovation includes the outpatient, maternity wing, offices, a new guardian shelter, water tanks and staff houses. n
