People in Traditional Authority Mazengera in Lilongwe District have expressed excitement with the construction of a K500 million Chigodi Health Centre in their area.
The facility, constructed under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (Gesd) Project, is expected to serve a population of over 23 000 people.
Among others, the facility comprises an outpatient department, maternity ward, nurse’s house and solar-powered water system.
On Wednesday, Hebron Building Contractor handed over the facility to Chigodi community.
In an interview, one of the community members, Grace Kathumba said women will now access antenatal and under-five services nearby.
“We are happy with the health facility because it will enable us to meet clinicians on regular basis and learn more on family planning issues,” she said.
Group village head Dete said the facility will improve access to healthcare services in the area.
“We thank the district council for constructing the health facility in the area,” he said.
Lilongwe Mpenu legislator Eisenhower Mkaka (Malawi Congress Party) said the facility will bring health service delivery closer to the community.
“As you may be aware, the recommended distance from one health centre to the other is five kilometres, but people from this area have been accessing healthcare services far from here,” he said
Mkaka called on people in the area to take care of the facility so it can serve future generations.
Speaking in a separate interview, Hebron Building Contractor team leader Tom Chiphwanya said although they did not meet the agreed deadline due to other logistical challenges such as fuel scarcity, they maintained specified standards.
Lilongwe district commissioner Lawford Palani expressed excitement with the completion of the project.
“This health post will provide many services, including nutritional value programmes and under-five clinics.
Gesd is World bank-funded facility which helps local councils to implement projects.
Additional reporting by Andrew Mkonda, Malawi News Agency
