NGO to construct K300m epicentre in Salima

The Hunger Project has embarked on a project to build a K300 million epicentre in Traditional Authority (T/A) Pemba in Salima.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony last week, Salima District Council chairperson Esther Soko welcomed the project, saying it will uplift people’s lives.

She said she was pleased to note that the epicentre will include a maternity wing.

“People walk long distances to access health services, forcing many women to deliver at home.

“Now that the area will have its own clinic, the problem will be solved,” said Soko.

She also said the inclusion of a food bank at the epicentre will improve food security in the area.

“Every year we experience hunger in Salima because food is wasted during harvest time. Now we will be able to store food for future use,” said Soko.

T/A Pemba said his subjects will ensure that they work with the organisation in ensuring the construction project is completed on time.

“We provided land freely. We also take part in the construction work by providing sand and other related materials,” he said.

The organisation’s country manager Peter Pangani said they came up with the idea after a poverty assessment for the area revealed that the greatest need was a health facility.

“The nearest health facility is far. So, communities, especially expectant women, cover long distances and there are a lot of maternal deaths in the process,” he said.

The project is being funded by an Australian Rodger Massey family and Eureka Foundation Benouverent.