For over five years now, construction of three staff houses at Changata Health Center in Thyolo has stalled creating panic for some health workers who are traveling long distances to work at the facility.

Chairperson of the Health Center Management Committee (HCMC), George Sayenda told Zodiak Online that the central government could not pay the contractor who later abandoned two houses at finishing level while another one on window stage.

Sayenda has lamented that the timely provision of health services is always affected as some critical health workers are staying in far places due to inadequate staff houses at the facility.

"We had hope of improved service delivery following the commencement of the staff houses project over five years ago, but now everything is shuttered," he lamented.

Similarly, Parliamentarian for the area, Chimwemwe Chipungu stated that he has on several times been pushing in parliament including the upgrading of the facility to a community hospital, but with no success.

In a written response Monday, Chipungu indicated that he plans to prioritize completion of the houses in the next financial year.

Meanwhile, Thyolo District Council spokesperson, Yamikani Yapuwa said the central government indicated that resources are unavailable to continue with the project besides pledging that the council will prioritize the houses once the funds are secured.  

"The primary challenge has been a lack of funding. Despite several inquiries with relevant authorities, we have been informed that resources have not been available to continue with the project. The Council will prioritize this project as soon as funds are secured," she said.  

She added "The Council remains committed to completing the houses to address the challenges faced by health workers who currently travel long distances to work".   

The facility serves a catchment population of over 40,000 people.