Bulyanhulu Gold Mine donates Sh68 million worth of building materials for village dispensaries

What you need to know:

  • Bulyanhulu Gold Mine has provided Nyang’hwale District with Sh67.8 million worth of building materials to aid the completion of the project that involves construction of 10 dispensaries out of 32 in the district.

Nyang'hwale. Bulyanhulu Gold Mine has handed over building materials worth Sh67.8 million to Nyang’hwale District for completion of a project that aims to build dispensaries in various villages.

The amount is part of Sh500 million committed by the gold mine to support efforts by residents in 32 villages.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Bulyanhulu Gold Mine director Benedict Busunzu said: “Materials handed over today are enough to complete construction of 10 dispensaries built by citizens.”

Nyang'hwale District executive director (DED) Mariam Chauremho said under the current setup citizens are supposed to build enclosures at the council in collaboration with stakeholders tasked to make roofing and ensure dispensaries start operating.

Nyag'holongo Village located in Nundu Ward is among villages that benefited with the donation after citizens decided to build the facility in order to address the challenge of increased maternal and child mortality rates.

Currently, residents are forced to walk 20 kilometres to Bukwimbwa Village to seek healthcare services and sometimes depend on traditional healers.

Speaking during the event, the village executive officer (VEO), Mr Masumbuko Robert, said the absence of a dispensary has caused maternal and mortality deaths that could be prevented.

“The village, which has 502 households, has raised Sh22 million after an agreement to contribute Sh60,000 from each household,” he said.

The district has a population of 160,000, 15 dispensaries and two health centres, making provision of health services in the area stand at 22 per cent.