Luanda MP Dick Maungu has secured Sh10 million in national government funding for the renovation of Ekwanda Health Centre in Luanda South Ward, Vihiga County, with plans to elevate the facility to a Level 4 hospital. The initiative, announced after a recent flooding incident that disrupted services, includes a planning meeting led by Dr. Hezron Omollo, head of Health Infrastructure Projects and Grants Management, at the health centre on Friday. The meeting was attended by Constituency Manager Peter Ndeche and Luanda South Ward Administrator Ocholla, who emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to restore operations. Maungu stated the funding would first address immediate structural repairs before pursuing the hospital’s elevation, which would expand healthcare access for residents of eight Sub-Locations in Ekwanda Division and neighboring constituencies like Seme, Kisumu West, and Gem.
The MP highlighted the role of intergovernmental collaboration in addressing devolved health challenges, noting that while healthcare is managed at the county level, national support through shared frameworks ensures broader community benefits. Ekwanda Health Centre, which serves thousands, has faced recurring issues including surface run-off flooding that forced prolonged closures. Maungu emphasized the need for additional funding in the upcoming supplementary budget to construct a modern multi-story building, a prerequisite for its elevation to a Level 4 hospital. This upgrade would significantly improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities for the region’s population, which relies heavily on the facility for primary and emergency care.
Beyond healthcare, Maungu is advocating for the elevation of Maseno Vocational Training Centre to a National Polytechnic, the development of a modern market in Ekwanda Centre, and the bitumen standard improvement of the Maseno ATC-Mukhuyu-Ebukuya Road. These projects, he argued, would stimulate economic growth and enhance connectivity in the area. The MP’s efforts underscore a broader push to address infrastructure gaps in Vihiga County, where access to quality education, healthcare, and transportation remains a critical challenge for residents.
The proposed upgrades to Ekwanda Health Centre reflect a strategic effort to align local needs with national resources, ensuring sustainable development in a region with limited healthcare facilities. With the next budget cycle approaching, stakeholders are awaiting further details on funding allocations and implementation timelines. The project’s success could serve as a model for similar interventions in underserved areas, highlighting the importance of coordinated governance in advancing public welfare.