TURKANA CENTRAL— Residents of Ng’iitakito village in Nakwamekwi, Turkana Central Sub-County, Turkana County are demanding urgent intervention after fire destroyed sections of Ng’iitakito Dispensary Saturday morning.
The fire, whose cause remains unknown, broke out at around 8.00 am on August 30, destroying the maternity unit, drug store, refrigerator, computers, medical records, equipment and nutrition supplies. No patients were at the facility.
Residents say loss of medicines, child screening equipment and nutrition supplies has left the community worried about access to care.
“All the medicines, child screening equipment, nutrition supplies have been destroyed. Where will people who depend on this facility go? Health is more important than anything else,” a resident said.
Another said the community is willing to provide land for a better facility.”Even if you need land, we are willing to move to create space for a better community hospital,” he said.
The incident has raised questions over previous renovation works and plans for a maternity ward. Records show funds were set aside for renovation, but residents question what was done and whether the burnt section was covered. They also query reported funding for a maternity ward that is yet to be clearly established.
Residents are asking authorities to clarify works undertaken and how funds allocated to the facility were used.”We have been left out and are not involved in the development of this dispensary,” a resident said. Another who has lived in the area for over 12 years said there has been no development.
Residents led by Aero John accused Lodwar Township MCA Ruth Kuya of neglect. The allegation has not been independently verified and the MCA is yet to respond.
Residents now want investigations into the fire, replacement of medicines and equipment, accountability for previous funds and rebuilding of destroyed sections to restore services for mothers, children and the community.
