‘Electrify proposed COVID-19 isolation centre’

By JOHN KOMBETHERE is need to install power at proposed COVID-19 isolation centre in Chongwe, district health director (DHD) Jospeh Kabungo has said.Dr. Kabungo disclosed this when the district Covid-19 task force committee visited Nachitete mini hospital in Njolwe ward.He observed that the facility which was donated by Sinoma Mpande Limestone Limited in 2017 was not serviced by Zesco despite his office making every effort for the service.He said the facility was identified as a COVID-19 isolation centre because of its location but that the absence of power was a challenge.Dr Kabungo appealed to the district commissioner, Mr. Robster Mwanza to engage Zesco for the speedy installation of power at the facility.He said this would go a long way in enhancing care at the facility which he noted was offering primary health care and maternal and child health among other services.Dr. Kabungo disclosed that, the donor was ready to finance the installation of power and was just waiting for positive communication from the district health office.Meanwhile, Chongwe district commissioner Mr. Robster Mwanza promised to engage Zesco on the matter to ensure the health team was better positioned to offer the needed services. Mr. Mwanza made the observation in an interview when the district COVID Task Force made an impromptu visit to the health facility in Njolwe ward.He thanked the district health office for its efforts in fighting the pandemic in the district saying government was committed to fighting the pandemic and would support every effort from all stakeholders.He thanked Sinoma Mpande Limestone Limited, for constructing the state-of -art facility that was enhancing health care in the area and beyond.Meanwhile, company vice general manager, Wang Yibing earlier said the company had undertaken a number of community projects such the construction of a health center in the area.He said the health post which was wholly funded by the company as part of its CSR was constructed at a total at a cost of 1.5 million dollars ad was already operational.