Written By | Jovita Hasto
The Ibanda district Resident Commissioner, Mr Godfrey Mbetegyereize, commissioning a bore-hole at Kashozi Health Centre III
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IBANDA
Health officials at Ishongororo Health Centre IV in Ibanda District have raised concerns over persistent water shortages that are affecting service delivery at the facility.
Officials say the unreliable water supply has mainly affected patient attendants, sanitation services, and other departments that depend on water for daily operations.
Dr. Wilson Birungi, a gynaecologist and the in-charge of Ishongororo Health Centre IV in Ishongororo Town Council, said the facility is connected to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), but water supply remains inconsistent, forcing some patients to buy water from outside the health facility.
He said the facility dug a well to pump water into storage tanks, but the supply is insufficient to meet the needs of all the wards.
"We are connected to piped water, but the supply is irregular. We improvised by digging a well to pump water, but the pump is weak and the supply is low. Hospitals are not allowed to sweep and raise dust; instead, they are required to pour water during cleaning. This has become a major challenge, and patients as well as staff often have to leave the facility to buy water. We appeal to the district authorities for support to overcome this challenge," he said.
Dr. Birungi further noted that water shortages are not the only challenge affecting the facility. He said the health centre is unfenced, making it vulnerable to theft and trespassing by animals.
"This facility is open, and animals often stray onto the premises. However, our biggest concern is theft. Staff members' houses have been targeted, and we have received several reports of household items being stolen. There is a need to improve security," he said.
He added that previous efforts to fence the facility were frustrated by resistance from members of the surrounding community.
"We had initiated plans to fence the facility, but we faced hostility from some members of the neighbouring community, who stopped us from putting up the fence. Security authorities should intervene and help mediate the matter because some of the fencing poles have already been damaged by termites, yet the facility urgently needs a fence for security and privacy," Dr. Birungi added.
Ms. Boniconsil Kandurwa, whom this reporter found washing clothes for a patient at the facility, said attendants fetch water from a source about one kilometre away.
"We fetch water from the other side of the facility, and I have to use it sparingly to ensure it is enough for all the clothes. When there is no rainwater or water in the storage tanks, we suffer," she said.
Mr. Love Rutabajuka, the Mayor of Ishongororo Town Council, explained that the area's water supply is managed from Kamwenge District, making it difficult for local leaders in Ibanda to follow up on water supply issues.
"It becomes difficult for me to call NWSC officials in Kamwenge because I am a leader from Ibanda District. They look at me as someone who has no authority over the matter. I therefore appeal to district leaders to address this issue," he said.
Ms. Betty Tusimire, another patient attendant at Ishongororo Health Centre IV, said water becomes scarce whenever the facility's storage tanks run dry.
Meanwhile, district leaders say efforts are underway to improve infrastructure at health facilities through the construction of fences, staff houses, and water facilities.
During a supervision exercise led by the Ibanda Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Godfrey Mbetegyereize, and the District Health Officer, Dr. Julius Bamwiine, officials commissioned a borehole at Kashozi Health Centre III in Ishongororo Sub-county, as well as a perimeter fence aimed at improving security at the facility.
At Ishongororo Health Centre IV and Kihani Health Centre III, the leaders also commissioned staff quarters to provide accommodation for health workers, while pledging to address the water and fencing challenges affecting other health facilities in the area.
Dr. Julius Bamwiine, the Ibanda District Health Officer, emphasized the importance of providing accommodation for health workers near health facilities, saying it helps reduce absenteeism and improves service delivery.
"We commissioned a twin staff house to accommodate doctors. Ishongororo Health Centre IV has four doctors, and providing accommodation ensures that a doctor is available whenever needed, especially at night. As we continue working to improve water access at other facilities, we have already constructed a borehole at Kashozi Health Centre III, and we hope the remaining facilities will also be addressed," he said.
Mr. Godfrey Mbetegyereize, the Ibanda Resident District Commissioner, said all health facilities should be fenced to improve security.
"What is important is that the health centre management committees should not wait entirely for government funding. They should improvise by putting up temporary fences while waiting for permanent fencing once the district secures funding," he said.
Currently, Ishongororo Health Centre IV serves residents from Ibanda, Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, and other neighbouring districts, handling more than 170 outpatients daily.
