Mongu’s Level One Hospital complete, courtesy of President Hichilema

The people of Kalangu Community of Mongu District in Western Province, are set to receive a landmark healthcare upgrade with a Level One Hospital which has been completed courtesy of President Hakainde Hichilema.

The newly completed hospital along the Mongu-Limulunga Road was constructed using the President’s charitable initiatives.

The media reports that speaking during the inspection of the works, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi said the site holds historical significance, as the location was where President Hakainde Hichilema was arrested and charged for treason.

“This place holds great significance for the people of Kalangu and nearby communities. It’s the very spot where a traffic offense led to a treason case, and President Hakainde Hichilema, then in opposition, was imprisoned. The traditional leadership of Kalangu responded by offering President Hichilema land and appointing him headman. Instead of using it for personal gain, President Hichilema chose to build this wonderful medical facility to benefit the community,’ ’he said.

Mr Milupi indicated that the hospital will improve healthcare access and reduce travel time to distant facilities.

“ The nearest hospital here is Lewanika General Hospital, so this means a lot for the people of Malengwa, Katoya, Mabumbu, and to some extent, even the people of Limulunga, and then to the eastern direction, the people of Ngonga, Mawawa, Sopu, and maybe even Kande; they will then have an excellent facility,” he said.

And, Provincial Health Director Samutumwa Njekwa said the province is very happy to receive such a modern facility which will be operating as a Level One Hospital.

Dr Njekwa explained that once operational, the hospital will help decongest Lewanika Hospital which is usually congested due to the population that has increased.

“We are very happy to receive this facility that has been gifted to us by the Republican President Hakainde Hichilema. This facility will operate as a Level One Hospital; it will help decongest Lewanika, as you may be aware Lewanika is over a century old and the population has grown over the years. It’s quite congested, so this is a very important addition to us. We are ready to start operating; this facility will be handed over to us this coming Monday,” said Dr Njekwa.

Meanwhile, Site Manager Bob Hachongo, said the hospital is 99% complete with minor works remaining such as landscaping and a few paintings outside.

“The works that are remaining are landscaping and some minor painting outside; otherwise, the hospital is complete. I can say it’s 99% done,” he said.