Water problems threaten health services in Nkhata Bay

Water problems have forced Nkhata Bay District Health Office (DHO) to scale down provision of health services at Kande Heath Centre in the district.

Health officials say the health facility which is about two kilometres away from the lake has a borehole that can hardly pump water due to the low water table.

They say efforts have been made to drill another borehole, but water table around the health facility is so low that drilling has proved to be a challenge.

Nkhata Bay District Hospital public relations officer Christopher Singini said the problem was beyond the health officials as the cause is natural.

He said the water problem has forced officials to refer cases that require water to Chintheche Rural Hospital about ten kilometres away and other health centres.

Water Aid programme manager for policy and advocacy Annie Msosa said it is disastrous to have a health centre run without water.

She said: “When patients go to the toilet, they need to wash their hands. So in the current scenario where there is no water, where will they wash their hands?”

Msosa said referring of cases is also costly to patients and guardians, She said people will have to spend money and time to get treatment at facilities that are far away.