Water shortage affects Katili Health Centre
Water shortage continues to affect healthcare service delivery, especially for pregnant mothers at Katili Health Centre in Karonga District.
In an interview, Katili Health Centre accountability club chairperson Amos Mwamlima said the situation has compromised hygiene at the facility.
“The borehole the facility depends on is located four kilometres away.
“However, five villages have agreed to supply water to the facility to ensure that pregnant mothers stay in hygienic condition,” he said.
When contacted, Karonga District Health office administrator Clement Gonthi hoped that the district council and the water department would solve the problem.
“When we visited the facility months ago, we found that a borehole had been drilled but at a distance because of low water table in the area. So, the facility is indeed experiencing water challenges but that will be rectified,” he said.
Two non-governmental organisations, Oxfam and Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) working in the area, described the situation as bad for patients.
Oxfam project manager for health governance Anthony Masamba said his organisation wants to ensure that everyone has access to quality and improved healthcare services.
“The absence of piped water at Katili Health Centre compromises healthcare service delivery which is against Health Sector Strategic Plan II,” he said.
CHRR project officer for health governance Modester Ramundi said the community is yet to pen the DHO about the funds for putting up a tank at the facility.
