Nyamarebe
Health Center III in Ibanda District is struggling to operate without a water
supply and power.
Dr. Tom
Kajungu the health center In-Charge says lack of water at the facility has
affected the smooth operation, especially in the maternity ward and the
Outpatient department.
He says the only water supply from the Kanyarugiri water system is unreliable. He says the situation is not good because even health workers find it difficult to find water to wash their hands after attending to patients.
Dr. Kajungu adds that
the Health Center also lacks a reliable power supply and the solar system used is
unreliable.
Ruyankore
//Cue in: “amaizi nago nigagiira….
Cue out:
…compound baije batuconnecting.”//
The health
facility has a 5000-litres tank for rainwater harvesting, which has also dried
up due to the prolonged dry season, plunging that health centre into a serious
water crisis.
Annet
Kansiime, an expectant mother has decried the poor conditions they go through at
the facility noting that she was at one time asked to carry a jerry can of
water as she attended antenatal care.
Happy
Herbert Mayanja, the Ibanda District LC V says he is aware of the problem
noting that it will be fixed after the Kikyenkye-Keihangara 20 Billion water
project that is under construction is completed.
Nyamarebe Health Center III serves a
population of 255,024, with its Outpatients Department –OPD registering between
60-70 patients daily, 30-40 antenatal checkups and between 80 and 90 every
month.
