Board disconnects water supply to Neno hospital
Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) has disconnected water supply at Neno District Hospital due to an outstanding bill of K35 million.
SRWB spokesperson Rita Makwangala confirmed the development, saying it is a routine exercise that the board undertakes to collect revenue for its daily operation.
Neno District Hospital advisory committee chairperson Leonard Mphiza said the departments hit hard by the disconnection are maternity and the theatre.
There was panic at the hospital on Tuesday after the hospital’s health advisory committee asked the authorities to temporarily suspend provision of other services at the hospital.
However, hospital spokesperson Ganizani Mkwate said the situation is temporary because they will use underground water system installed by Partners in Health in 2016.
He said the water crisis at the hospital was due to a technical fault with the hospital’s water tank, but they have erectified the fault and water was now available.
“Let me assure the public that the hospital has procured the new water tank. Once that tank is installed, there will be no water crisis,” said Mkwate.
On the outstanding bills that the hospital owes SRWB, Mkwate said they will settle the bill in instalments. n