Residents in Kalungu Ward have appealed for electricity to be connected to health and education facilities in the area to improve service delivery.
The appeal was made when District Commissioner Jairo Simbeye engaged with community members and officials to address pressing concerns in the ward.
While various issues, including the parking of trucks in front of the school, and accommodation challenges for health and education facilities were brought to the fore during the engagement, the lack of electricity supply emerged as the primary focus.
Both government workers and community members noted a dire need for electricity supply connectivity, especially for the health facility and the school.
And Kalungu health facility Sister in-charge Sichizya Chaina highlighted the challenges faced in attending to patients, particularly in the labour ward and outpatient department (OPD).
Mr Chaina disclosed that the facility, located along a busy road, often deals with accident cases and struggles to provide adequate care without electricity, putting patients at risk as well as medical personnel attending to them.
At the same time, Kalungu Primary School Headmaster Ilunga Peter shared similar sentiments, stressing the importance of electricity for learners to study effectively, even during evening hours, which would significantly improve their academic performance.
Meanwhile, Community members also voiced concerns about trucks parking in front of the school, posing risks to children’s health due to unhygienic practices by truck drivers.
In response, District Commissioner Jairo Simbeye acknowledged the challenges and assured that the government will make efforts to enhance the quality of life for community members.
Mr Simbeye stated that measures aimed at expediting electrification processes using the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) are in place.
He acknowledged the importance of connecting government institutions such as hospitals and schools to electricity.
However, the District Commissioner hinted on the need for communities to elect the right Ward Development Committee (WDC) to represent them well when it comes to their development needs.
He also encouraged the need for the council’s engagement with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committee to implement important projects like the electrification of the Kalungu area.
Mr Simbeye also noted the importance of accountability, urging institutions to uphold their commitments to ensure timely installation and access to electricity.
