March 21, 2025. Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Rev. Mathews Chilekwa, commissioned the Shiwang’andu District Health Office today, reaffirming government’s commitment to improving working conditions and service delivery in the province.
In his keynote address, Rev. Chilekwa emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and service efficiency, particularly in Shiwang’andu. He acknowledged that the project faced delays due to contractor interruptions and financing challenges. However, he commended the New Dawn Government for prioritizing its completion.
The total cost of the project stands at K4,328,755.76 for the building, with an additional K800,000.00 allocated for furnishing.
Rev. Chilekwa also highlighted several key healthcare projects currently underway in the province, including:
1. Rehabilitation of Chinsali District Hospital (Phase 1) – 40% complete, costing K2,636,465.40.
2. Completed rehabilitation of Isoka District Hospital Service Block– Costing K518,386.76.
3. Rehabilitation of doctors’ staff houses at Muyombe Hospital (Mafinga)– Costing K415,280.32.
4. Completed construction of Nchubula Health Post (Kanchibiya) – Costing K503,808.24.
5. Upgraded water reticulation system at the Provincial Health Office and Chinsali District Hospital– 50% complete, costing K230,000.00.
6. Rehabilitation of the Outpatient Department (OPD) at Chinsali District Hospital– 80% complete, costing K317,000.00.
“These projects are a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to building a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Zambia under the leadership of His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema,” Rev. Chilekwa stated.
Speaking at the event, Shiwang’andu District Commissioner, Ms. Maureen Bwembya, expressed her delight at this milestone in the district’s healthcare system. She highlighted the importance of having a fully furnished and functional district health office, which provides a conducive working environment for healthcare administrators.
Ms. Bwembya also emphasized the government’s broader commitment to healthcare infrastructure development through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). She noted the successful commissioning of Mayembe, Kantimba, and Mungulube Health Posts, while Munkungwa, Musonko, and Chabala Health Posts are nearing completion. Additionally, Chinkumba Health Post is expected to be commissioned soon.
She also expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing recruitment of healthcare workers, which has reinforced service delivery across the district.
The Provincial Health Director, Dr. David Silweya, commended the government for recruiting 1,482 health workers in Shiwang’andu over three successive recruitment phases.
