Blantyre district commissioner Alex Mdooko has expressed satisfaction with the construction of Kadidi Health Centre and houses for healthcare workers in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapeni in the district.
Speaking on Tuesday after inspecting the project, he said the facility and staff houses cost K711 million under the World Bank-funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (Gesd).
T/A Kapeni, Blantyre. | Memory Chatonda
Said Mdooko: “I am satisfied with the project’s progress. Once completed, it will be considered as one of the flagship projects in Blantyre.
“The facility, which will serve over 65 000 people in Mtema and surrounding villages, will open in May. The facility will start offering outpatient services and later maternity services.”
He also said the council through Gesd is constructing Kachanga Bridge in T/A Kuntaja and a classroom block in T/A Somba with funds amounting to K103 million and K89.9 millions, respectively.
“All these projects are at an advanced stage,” said Mdooko.
In a separate interview, Senior Chief Kapeni commended the council for constructing the health facility.
He also thanked government for supporting councils with Gesd funds, saying they are able to implement projects that benefit rural populations.
“In our case, the health facility will provide quality healthcare services to my subjects and they will access the services within reach. This will help to prevent deaths,” said Kapeni.
On his part, Kachanga Bridge Building Committee chairperson Elson Chikalusa said they will actively participate in the implementation of the project to ensure good quality.
A community member John Chimbalanga said once completed the bridge will ease mobility challenges. He called for the committee to monitor the project seriously.
The National Local Government Finance Committee is implementing Gesd projects in district councils.
Councils qualify for Gesd funds through good performance.
