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By Reporter Ashrack Miraji
The Minister of Health, Jenista Mhagama, has urged the residents of Same district to acknowledge and take ownership of the government's achievements by safeguarding and maintaining the infrastructure being developed in their areas.
She emphasized the importance of fostering a culture that appreciates the significant changes in infrastructure, healthcare services, and economic development implemented by the government.
She also encouraged educating citizens with limited understanding, especially those resistant to development, to help them comprehend the government's efforts in investing in high-cost infrastructure.
Speaking to the residents of Suji ward in Same district, after inspecting and laying the foundation stone for two projects—the construction of the new Suji Secondary School and the Malindi–Suji Health Centre—she noted that these investments are aimed at facilitating easier access to services for the people.
During the visit, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Malindi Health Centre in Suji ward, an area where residents previously had to walk a distance of 10 kilometers to access healthcare services. The project, initiated by the community, is being implemented by the Same District Council in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy and is in the final stages of completion, with costs reaching 470 million shillings so far.
Due to the increased demand for healthcare services in the area, the Minister of Health promised to upgrade the health centre to a full Health Centre to provide essential services, with the aim of reducing maternal and child mortality.
"Given the distance and the mountainous terrain, if we do not strengthen our health centre, including maternity wards and surgical services, we will continue to face challenges. We have a responsibility to reduce maternal deaths. We are allocating 600 million shillings here to upgrade this health centre in the 2024/25 financial year so that all necessary facilities are built here to save lives. These are President Samia's visions for the people," said Minister Mhagama.
Due to the geographical nature of the area, which includes mountains and valleys, Minister Mhagama instructed the Same District Council to ensure that areas with projects are well-prepared by modifying the terrain to prevent potential damage to infrastructure during the rainy season, particularly affecting schools.
"Our land has mountains, and you cannot build a proper structure without leveling the terrain; the cost has been high.
It is essential that the government and the Same District Council ensure these mountains are reinforced to prevent them from collapsing and affecting our children's classrooms. I urge the Director, through the internal budget, to allocate funds to improve this infrastructure, ensuring the school is safe and long-lasting," said Minister Mhagama.
Earlier, the Same District Commissioner assured that these projects will be properly maintained and managed to ensure their longevity and to continue providing the services as intended.
