Neno district director of public works Pemphero Chikuse says the health post under construction in Traditional Authority Dambe will improve access to healthcare services in the area.
The K181 million health facility, whose construction works are at 85 percent completion progress, is expected to cut the distance people travel to access healthcare services to Kunenekude Health Centre, 30 kilometres away.
Said Chikuse: “The first phase, which involves construction of the health post itself, is at 85 percent and will be completed soon.
“The remaining works, including staff houses, installation of a solar facility, provision of furniture and water reticulation will be
done under another phase.”
In an interview, community member Chrissy Saulosi from Ntaja Village said Soka Health Post will help under-five children access immunisation services easily.
She said: “We struggle in accessing healthcare services because we have to travel over 30 kilometres to Kunenekude Health Centre.
“Pregnant mothers and under-five children need healthcare services nearby. That is why I thank the council for the project.”
Another community member, Vincent Chinthaka, said the health post is a long-awaited relief.
“We have been travelling long distances even for minor illnesses,” he said.
On his part, Chilimbondo Ward councillor Montfort Bwanali from Neno North Constituency also thanked the council for the initiative, saying it will not only improve healthcare outcomes, but also ease the economic burden on households.
“People were spending a lot of money on transport to access healthcare services and this affected them economically,” he said.
The council is implementing the project with funds from the World Bank-funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery.
Soka Health Post will provide outpatient services, ante-natal care, immunisation and under-five clinic services
