Mkapa foundation donates houses to southern regions

Rukwa. Benjamin Mkapa Foundation had handed over 19 houses to Katavi and Rukwa regions’ health workers.

Speaking during a ceremony to hand over the houses held in Kabungu dispensary in Katavi Region, Benjamini Mkapa Foundation Executive Officer, Dr Ellen Senkoro, said the foundation spent Sh1.3 billion to construct the houses.

According to Dr Senkoro, the donation is part of the foundation commemoration of 10th anniversary.

She said, for the past ten years the foundation has been supporting government efforts to address various challenges bedevilling the health sector.

She added that, the project was implemented after the foundation agreed with the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children to address various challenges in the health sector.

According to her, the foundation has already constructed a total of 480 houses in a period between 2011 and 2016. Out of the 480 houses 40 houses are in Katavi and Rukwa regions.

Apart from the houses Dr Senkoro said Benjamin Mkapa Foundation has employed a total of 63 health care workers in the two regions. According to her, the 63 health workers are working in public hospitals and health care canters.

She also said the foundation has employed eight trainers in medical colleges in Rukwa.

Speaking during the ceremony, former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda who was a guest of honour commended the foundation for constructing the houses.

Mr Pinda said, despite efforts by the government and other stakeholders, the health care sector still encounters some challenges. He outlined the challenges as, lack of enough health care personnel, especially in rural areas.

On her part, the nurse in charge at Kabungu dispensary, Ms Rose Mpimbe said, the houses will enable health care workers to provide services to patients throughout the day. According to her, currently health workers are forced to travel long distance to and from their working stations.