By Our Correspondent, Arumeru
The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has donated 896 pieces of timber worth Sh10 million to Meru District Hospital to help address a critical shortage of furniture and support healthcare service delivery.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the hospital on August 7, 2025, Arumeru District Commissioner Mwinyi Ahmed Mwinyi said the donation will cover about 70 percent of the hospital’s furniture needs, describing it as a direct contribution to the government’s broader efforts to improve public health infrastructure.
“This support from TFS adds value to the over Sh900 million already invested by the central government in constructing and upgrading key hospital facilities,” he said, referring to recent developments including a modern OPD building, pharmacy store, laboratory, incinerator facility, and the procurement of a medical waste disposal machine.
Mwinyi directed health and council officials to cost out the production of required furniture and pledged that the district government would cover the remaining 30 percent to achieve full furnishing of the hospital.
Meru District Executive Director, Zainabu Makwinya, said the timber donation would help complete the hospital’s infrastructure, enabling it to operate at full capacity. She commended the central government for the Sh900 million infrastructure investment and thanked TFS for responding to the hospital’s request.
Representing TFS, Meru/Usa Forest Plantation Chief Conservator, Ali D. Maggid, said the donation was part of the plantation’s annual community engagement plan. Covering 8,170 hectares and surrounded by 32 villages, the plantation allocates part of its operational budget to support local social development projects.
“This donation aligns with our commitment to support surrounding communities and complements national efforts to enhance health services,” Maggid said.
Hospital Medical Officer in Charge, Dr. Fabian Weslous, said the timber will be used to produce essential furniture such as chairs, benches, drug pallets, and tables, which are needed following the completion of infrastructure works.
The District Commissioner urged timely implementation of the furniture project and stressed the need to ensure value for money throughout the process.