Karonga District Council (KDC) says it needs K8 million to renovate and reopen Mlare Health Centre in the district following closure of the facility last year.
The council said this following mounting pressure from traditional leaders and communities surrounding the facility to reopen the health centre that caters for over 18,000 people.
Speaking in an interview after an interface meeting that was held by Mlare health advisory committee (HAC) with officials from KDC, district health office and Member of Parliament for the area, acting director of planning and development at KDC Isaac Mkandawire said the council was in the process of looking for funds to rehabilitate the closed health facility.
“As a council we are exploring several avenues to identify the resources to have this facility up and running because we know the right to health services is a basic right accorded to all humans,” he said.
He added that to continue offering health services to people, the council has agreed to relocate to a temporary building near the health centre whilst maintenance works are ongoing.
In his remarks, MP for the area Frank Mwenifumbo, hailed the collaboration between the community, council and the health office to avert the problem that people of Mlare are facing.
“It’s amazing what the community can achieve when they bang their heads together to achieve a common goal and as a MP of the area I am grateful to them for initiating the push to find the solution for the health centre,” he explained.
Senior group village headman Mwakabanga expressed gratitude to the health office for hearing their cries to reopen the health centre.
He said as a traditional chief he is delighted with his community for their effort in pressurizing the health officials to do something about the situation.
