PAKWACH DISTRICT — Hon. Barugahara Ateenyi, has directed the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to conduct a full investigation into the construction of buildings at Panyimur Health Centre III in Pakwach District following an unannounced inspection that exposed serious concerns over the quality and completeness of the facility.
The health centre had a construction project at a cost of Shs2.9 billion, but the health center is reportedly operating without an operating theatre and a perimeter fence. The omissions have raised concerns about the facility’s capacity to provide essential health services and protect patients, staff, medicines and equipment.
During the inspection, Hon. Balaam toured the facility alongside ministry officials, district officials, investigators from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, and other security agencies.examining the wards and other components of the project. The Minister questioned the quality of the construction works during the implementation of the project.
The health centre-in-charge told the Minister that sections of the ceiling collapsed shortly after the facility was handed over, creating a serious risk to patients and health workers.
The Minister described the situation as unacceptable, particularly given the significant amount of public money invested in the facility.
“How do you spend 2.9 billion shillings and hand over a building that can collapse on the very people it is meant to serve?” Hon. Balaam asked.
The absence of an operating theatre was also raised as a major concern. The facility serves communities engaged largely in fishing and farming, and the lack of an operational theatre means patients requiring emergency surgical services continue to be referred to facilities located farther away.
Hon. Balaam directed the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to establish responsibility at every stage of the project, including the role of the contractor, district technical staff and officials involved in inspecting, certifying and approving the works.
He directed investigators to scrutinise the project documentation, including payment certificates, and establish whether public funds were properly utilised and whether the works delivered value for money.
