Kayunga Hospital project creates new hope for employment 

By Edward Patrick Musisi, Kayunga

Rehabilitation and expansion of Kayunga hospital due for completion in February 2020, has comes with a dual pronged advantage of improved health service delivery and a wider employment base for locals.

The 24-month project to cost shs 72bn/= whose construction work is undertaken by M/S Arab Contarctors Uganda, will see the old structures given a new face lift, new ones put in place and the facility upgraded with three operation theatres, and from 100 to 300 beds, among major works.

According to Kayunga LC V Chairman Tom William Serwanga, the development is testimony of commitment by government to fulfil provisions of the NRM manifesto including improved primary health care , employment creation, improved household incomes and food security.

In an interview on Tuesday, Serwanga expressed optimism that the upgraded hospital will directly boost performance of lower level health units by offering reliable services which he said have been wanting.
The chairman however appealed to the contractors to increase wages for the labourers to match the reigning inflation.

He was happy that besides the few specialized technical staff, the work force is fully comprised of locals drawn from around the district.

Giving an account of work so far completed, the Project Manager Eng. Haitham Elderby said 25% of the work is completed, and gave assurances unpredictable weather changes not withstanding, work will be completed on schedule.

He said that majority of the work force of 250 including majorly locals from within the area, will be retained for the company’s other projects elsewhere in the country.

Eng. Elderby said that ongoing work has not halted health services, adding that adjustments were made in the old structures, in such a manner health services continue unabated.

The workers variously told Watchdog Uganda that they are to a great extent comfortable with their working conditions and relations with their employers.