The Nandom Municipal Assembly in the Upper West Region has commissioned and handed over several development projects aimed at improving healthcare, access to potable water and security across communities in the municipality.
The projects include two Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds at Tokuu and Bapula, a police post at Kokoligu, five mechanised boreholes and 10 hand-pump boreholes in selected communities.
Health and education prioritised
Speaking during the commissioning of the CHPS compounds, Nandom Municipal Chief Executive Anthony Ziniel said the projects were initiated after health and education were identified as key priority areas for development.
“Within a year, we have initiated and completed two CHPS compounds for the health sector,” he stated.
Mr Ziniel said the Assembly would continue to implement projects aimed at addressing the developmental needs of residents, adding that additional projects were expected to commence in the coming months.
New CHPS facilities to improve healthcare
Municipal Health Director, Madam Rukaya Wumnaya, said the new CHPS compounds would significantly improve healthcare delivery, particularly because they provide accommodation for health workers.
She explained that under the previous arrangement at Tukum, health workers had to leave the facility after working hours, limiting access to services outside those periods.
The new facilities, she said, would allow health workers to remain on site and provide round-the-clock services.
“Anytime you go there, you are sure that you will meet a staff at the facility,” she said.
Madam Wumnaya added that the facilities would support the implementation of the government’s free primary healthcare initiative, enabling residents to access primary healthcare services regardless of their National Health Insurance Scheme status.
Motorbikes and staffing remain challenges
Despite the new infrastructure, the Municipal Health Director identified inadequate motorbikes and staffing as major challenges affecting healthcare delivery in the municipality.
She noted that some health workers rely on their personal motorbikes to undertake community outreach activities, making additional logistical support necessary to improve service delivery.
Communities urged to protect projects
The Assembly has urged beneficiary communities to take ownership of the newly completed projects and help ensure their long-term sustainability.
Residents have been encouraged to keep the facilities clean, undertake minor maintenance where necessary and protect the projects from vandalism.
The Assembly said community ownership and proper maintenance would be essential to preserving the facilities and ensuring they continue to serve residents effectively.
