Minister says Kibaha District Council must ensure the proper utilization of government funds. Photo: Courtesy
By The Respondent reporter
Works Minister Innocent Bashungwa has inspected the construction of the Kibaha District Council Hospital and expressed satisfaction with the use of the funds provided in phases by the government. So far, Sh 3.5 billion has been utilized in constructing various buildings at the hospital.
Bashungwa inspected the facility during his special visit to Pwani Region, aimed at reviewing project implementation, inaugurating development projects, and addressing the challenges faced by residents in the area.
He extended his gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued efforts in securing funds to strengthen healthcare services across the country.
"I thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her commitment to ensuring these funds were made available for the construction of this hospital," Bashungwa said.
He urged the Kibaha District Council to ensure the proper utilization of government funds by completing the remaining construction work and maintaining the finished buildings.
As well, Bashungwa instructed the Kibaha District Council and the hospital management to preserve the environment by planting shade and fruit trees around the hospital compound.
Bashungwa also revealed that the government is in the procurement stage of selecting a contractor for the construction of the Mlandizi-Ruvu Road (23 km), which will be upgraded to tarmac and connected with the Ruvu SGR railway station.
Pwani Regional Commissioner Abubakar Kunenge reported that the region currently has 10 district hospitals, one referral hospital, 50 health centers, 388 dispensaries, and 22 maternity wards.
He added that a new major hospital in Rufiji is forthcoming, funded by the corporate social responsibility (CSR) program from the Nyerere Dam project.
Meanwhile, the Medical Officer in Charge of the Kibaha District Council Hospital, Dr. Christopher Ngendelo, said the hospital began offering services in 2020 and now has 15 buildings, including outpatient, laboratory, radiology, emergency maternity surgery, administration, laundry, children's ward, surgical units, a mortuary, incineration facility, and storage buildings.