Katwe Health Centre III in Kasese District is struggling to operate without accommodation for its staff.
The health centre built in the 1950s has dilapidated staff houses with some inhabitable and serves a population of over 5,000 people especially those on the shores of Lake Edward.
Health workers at the facility are now calling upon the government to prioritize the construction of staff quarters as a means of attracting and retaining health workers.
They argue that the absence of accommodation and decent housing in Katwe Town Council has also exacerbated the problem of absenteeism.
Patrick Bikansobera, the in-charge says that most of the health workers reside in Kasese Town, which is more than 70 kilometers.
He also added that due to the remoteness of the area, some of the staff delay reporting for duty because of limited public transport.
“Here our two taxis operate on schedule, once they leave you in the morning going to Kasese or coming to Katwe, then you have to wait for the following day but this also has a huge cost on our staff,” Bikansobera said.
Bikansobera also adds that the few houses the staff is occupying are insecure because of the animals from the park that roam especially at night.
He wants the government to construct new structures and rehabilitate the old to ease on their work.
“If you are here up to around 7 pm, I would show you hippos, these are a huge danger to both patients and my staff because the whole facility is not fenced…” Bikansobera added.
John Bosco Kananura, the Katwe-Kabatoro Town Council says they have written to the government a number of challenges affecting the operations of the facility including its elevation and putting up of staff houses. However, he says there has not been any response yet.URN
