Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 10th May, 2025.
Lunte, Northern Province, Zambia
In a tangible demonstration of the government’s decentralization agenda and commitment to rural healthcare equity, authorities have officially handed over a fully equipped maternity annex at Moseni Basilio Health Post in Lunte District. The facility, valued at 1,208,000 Kwacha was financed under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The newly commissioned annex includes a robust 8.3kW solar power system worth K297,378, medical equipment valued at K590,000, and a modern incinerator estimated at K200,000 enabling round the clock service provision and adherence to medical waste management standards.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu highlighted the facility’s role in transforming maternal healthcare in the district, noting that it will support antenatal, delivery and postnatal care for thousands of women.
“This is more than a building it is a statement of intent. We are shifting from centralised, top down development to people driven transformation. Through enhanced CDF allocations, we are responding to the real needs of our communities,” Mr. Mpundu said.
He underscored that strategic infrastructure investments like the maternity annex are central to the government’s broader goals of improving healthcare access and reducing maternal mortality, particularly in rural settings.
Lunte District Commissioner Joseph Chilando reinforced this view, praising the project for directly addressing long standing challenges faced by expectant mothers in the area.
Meanwhile, Sub Chief Ponde expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for honouring his administration’s pledge to bring healthcare closer to the people. The traditional leader revealed that since 2018, he had been advocating for the facility’s construction and welcomed the annex as a critical milestone in improving local service delivery.
The handover marks a significant step in ensuring that no woman is left behind due to geography or lack of access to safe maternity care an essential stride in achieving equitable development.
The Agency.