She added that the cost is on the contractor saying Malawians deserve value for their money. 

This came out on Tuesday when the Minister paid an impromptu visit to Chilinde Health Centre to appreciate what is delaying completion of the facility that has stalled for about 8 years now.

“I am not happy. The structures are somehow alright but the finishing is poorly done. I have spokes to the contractors and he has agreed to redo the work, otherwise, we will be hesitant to give them any other contract in the future,” said Chiponda.

The minister added that “it is time government scrutinized its contract awarding process saying some of the works seen around leave a lot to be desired.”

However, Site Agent for Golden Star Construction Company Harnish Patel blames it on financial challenges, which ironically, comes from government.

Patel further blames the deteriorating of the structures to the inactivity at the site for financial problems, saying there has not been any activity at the site for a year now hence the faults.

He has since assured the government that all will be fixed in the next 4 months.

“If you look at the structures, the work is perfect. But the areas that have been mentioned are very small. But we promise to finish it all,” explained Patel.

Upon completion, the facility is expected to serve a larger population of Area 23 and beyond, especially pregnant mothers who have to travel a long distance to access services according to a resident Alice Kamasho.

“Timavutika ngati azimayi kunoko, maka nthawi yomwe tikuyembekezera. Timayenda mitunda italiitali kuchoka kuno ku 23 kukafika ku Bwaila. Nde matenda akatipeza panjira, zimativuta mpaka kuberekera panjira, zomwenso achipatala amatikalipira. Chipatala ichichi chonde chithe, ndithandidika kwambiri amaife,”

[We face a lot of challenges as women especially during pregnancy. We travel long distances, from here in Area 23 to Bwaila Hospital for instance, that in some instances women give birth on their way there. This lands us in trouble with the health authorities most of the times. We really need this clinic here], explained Kamasho.

About 478 million kwacha has been put into construction works of Chilinde Health Centre in Lilongwe.

The clinic which is expected to provide Out-Patient services is also expected to serve expectant mothers with 20 beds in its waiting shelter and 16 beds in its delivery area.