RC forms task force to fast-track stalled projects

BUKOBA: KAGERA Regional Commissioner (RC) Ms Fatma Mwassa has formed a task force to fast track stalled development projects in Muleba District, including the construction of a district hospital.

Ms Mwassa made the decision recently during her visit to Muleba District, where several projects worth 4.1bn/- are being implemented in the health, education and economic sectors.

However, she expressed disappointment over the slow pace of construction of the Muleba District Hospital, a 1.7bn/- project that was expected to be completed next month but has reached only 40 per cent completion.

She directed Muleba District Commissioner, Dr Abel Nyamahanga, to ensure that the task force works day and night in collaboration with officials from the Tanzania Building Authority (TBA) to ensure the hospital buildings are completed on schedule and begin providing medical services.

“The government will not tolerate laxity while people are in dire need of medical services. The task force must work day and night to ensure the hospital is completed on time and starts serving wananchi,” Ms Mwassa said.

She commended the government for its continued efforts to strengthen the health sector, including upgrading healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the availability of modern medical equipment and supplies.

Ms Mwassa noted that during the four years of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, all seven councils in the region—Bukoba District Council, Biharamulo, Ngara, Karagwe, Kyerwa, Missenyi and Bukoba Municipal Council have constructed district hospitals, significantly improving access to healthcare services.

“Over the past four years, the government has implemented various projects aimed at uplifting the region’s economic and social development. All seven councils have successfully constructed district hospitals, improving the quality of health services for residents,” she said.

Providing further details, Ms Mwassa said the government allocated 560m/- for the construction of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Bukoba Regional Referral Hospital (BRRH), while 770m/- was spent on the purchase of specialised medical equipment.

“On behalf of Kagera residents, I thank the government for allocating a substantial budget that has enabled BRRH to provide specialised services, including modern medicines and advanced medical equipment. This initiative has saved many lives, especially children,” she said.

She added that BRRH recently received a CT scan machine, which has significantly improved diagnostic and treatment services.

Ms Mwassa also revealed that between June and December last year, the government deployed 288 health workers to the region, bringing the total workforce under the Ministry of Health in Kagera to 2,661.

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She said the number of specialist doctors at BRRH has increased to 13, while the region now has 351 health facilities.

Among the key achievements, she cited the introduction of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for premature babies.

Before the construction of the Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU), about 480 babies were admitted annually, a number that has since risen to 779.

The capacity to admit premature babies has also increased from 167 to 237 per year, while neonatal deaths have declined sharply from 30 per cent to five per cent as of December 30, 2024.

Ms Mwassa further welcomed government plans to initiate the construction of a specialised hospital for disease outbreaks and a central diagnostic centre in the region.

She said the initiative was prompted by Kagera’s proximity to neighbouring countries that have experienced frequent disease outbreaks.