Residents in Nthambiro area in Igembe Central have expressed their optimism that the health Centre in the locality will be fully revived by the county government
The locals said the facility that was once operational, stopped offering services to the community during the impeached governor Kawira Mwangaza tenure.
They claimed that since 2013, the facility had a maternity wing that offered services to women in the society, a standing perimeter wall and an ambulance that was used for emergencies, but all this has now grounded to a halt.
“Since governor Peter Munya assumed office, the facility remained operational until 2022 when governor Mwangaza took over. Our ambulance was taken away, the perimeter wall was destroyed and the maternity wing ceased to offer services,” said Pastor Sammy Murithi, a resident.
He also expressed optimism that the situation will be restored after the new governor Mutuma M’Ethingia took over after Mwangaza.
Kiengu Subcounty administrator Mutuma Kang’ote, applauded the county government for its efforts in reviving the health Centre noting that it is a sign of relief to the locals.
“We are happy that the county government has shown early signs that the facility will start offering services to our people. As a government, we will keenly follow to see that service delivery to the people which is key is offered,” he said.
Njiru Murithi, an architect tasked with ensuring that the facility is revived, said that the process has already began in earnest at the maternity wing where the repairs have commenced, with the whole facility facelift process expected to be completed in two months’ time.
“After the ongoing repairs, we shall also identify other areas that require renovation where we can rectify some working stations, repair windows for safety purposes, check power connectivity and other necessary repairs,” said Murithi.
Wambua Koome, director health administration officer on his side echoed the sentiments, saying that the remotely located facility will now help in offering health services closer to the residents.
“We appreciate our government for considering to revive services at this facility. This is one of the remotest facilities in Meru County. The roads to this place are also pathetic making it hard for the locals to seek services here,” he said.
He added, “If the hospital here is not functional, patients are forced to travel all the way to Kangeta, Meru or Maua towns. Considering the roads challenges, it becomes a serious problem before one reaches the next facility. So, reviving this facility is a big health boost to the community around,”.
Wambua noted that in the next financial year, the health sector is rolling out a program dubbed “hub and scope”, where one big facility will be a referral for the smaller ones in the area, anticipating that Nthambiro will be the hub for the vast Kiengu region.
