By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, August 29, Mana: Acting Director for Public Works at Nkhata Bay District Council, George Gopani has expressed satisfaction with the progress of K223 million Nkhwali clinic staff houses project which is under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).

In an interview Wednesday during a site meeting at Nkhwali in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri, Gopani said construction works are at 30 percent describing it as ahead of schedule.

"We were here to interact and get feedback from the contractor if there are any issues that need our attention. Also, we wanted to have a physical appreciation of work progress.

"I am delighted with the progress made so far and the quality of work is impressive,"Gopani said.

According to Gopani, the project duration is 120 days and already construction works are at 30 percent within the first 30 days of the timeframe which is quite encouraging.

He said the council has put measures of quality control where they are doing material testing of cement blocks and concrete among others giving him hope of a good outcome.

"Apart from constructing the staff houses, the project will connect electricity and piped water to the facility including an incinerator," he added.

Gopani therefore expressed commitment to continue with frequent monitoring of the project to make sure that administering of quality work is adhered.

Nkhata Bay Director of Health and Social Services, Topcy Mdolo said construction of the houses contributes to the government's plan of increasing infrastructures in the health sector for quality service delivery.

"Upon completion, these houses will be occupied by a Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA) and Community midwife assistant who are crucial in providing services like under fiver clinic, family planning, and Antiretroviral among other services provided in clinics” Mdolo said.

In his remarks, Senior Chief Timbiri lauded the council for the hands-on approach in the ongoing construction works saying it will help them to have high standard project.

Nkhwali staff house construction project is being implemented by Nkhata Bay District Council through the National Local Government Finance Committee under Governance to Enable Service Delivery with support from Multi-Donor Trust Fund and World Bank.