Residents of Poruu demand completion of stalled health project

Residents of Poruu in the Sawla Tuna Kalba district of the Savannah Region are calling on the government to expedite the completion of a stalled health project in their community.

The health facility, which was initiated to improve healthcare delivery, has been abandoned for years, leaving residents frustrated.

Speaking to Info Radio, the residents revealed that the health centre, which began construction several years ago, has remained incomplete since it was abandoned in 2016.

Despite repeated assurances from government officials over the years, the facility has never been completed or put to use, leaving the community without a functioning health centre.

“We’ve waited for so long. People are suffering, and sometimes we lose lives simply because we can’t get to the nearest hospital in time,” said one concerned resident.

According to the residents, the nearest functioning health facility is located several miles away. Reaching it is not only time-consuming but also dangerous due to the poor road conditions. In emergencies, it can take hours to transport patients, a situation that has reportedly led to preventable deaths.

Hon. Simon Ansene, the Assemblyman for the Poruu Electoral Area, confirmed the community's struggles and emphasized the urgent need for government action.

“The people of Poruu are suffering. Access to healthcare is a basic necessity, but we are deprived of it. To make matters worse, our roads are in terrible condition, further compounding the problem,” he stated.

He added that the uncompleted health facility could significantly improve healthcare delivery if given the needed attention. “The structure is there, but without completion and staffing, it is just a shell. We are appealing to the authorities to prioritize this project and bring relief to our people.”

The residents are calling on the Ministry of Health, the District Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders to revisit the project and ensure its prompt completion.