Delay to build maternity wing irks communities
Communities around Mlare dispensary in Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga have taken to task their elected leaders for the delay to construct a maternity wing at the facility.
In an interview yesterday, group village head (GVH) Walamba said the delay affects mothers who travel 39 kilometres to Karonga District Hospital for delivery.
He said: “The community moulded 120 000 bricks and fetched sand as their 25 percent contribution towards the construction of the maternity wing at Mlare clinic.
“However, our elected leaders are playing hide and seek on when constructions works will begin.”
In a separate interview, Mlare Ward councillor Belliam Msukwa and Karonga Central legislator Cornelius Mwalwanda said the project will begin soon.
On his part Mwalwanda, without elaborating, alleged there is someone behind the allegations that the project is delaying.
Justice and Peace of Karonga Diocese health governance project officer Obert Mkandawire described the delay as a stumbling block to achieve safe motherhood.
