By Mary Makhiringa

Balaka, March 9, Mana: Balaka District Council has been applauded for constructing a K38 million guardian shelter at Balaka District Hospital.

There was jubilation when Member of Parliament (MP) for Balaka North, Tony Ngalande officially commissioned the state of the art guardian shelter constructed through the District Development Fund.

Since time immemorial, guardians at the facility have been facing numerous challenges especially during rainy season as they used to sleep in tiny corridors of the hospital.

Speaking after inaugurating the shelter, Ngalande said as a true son of Balaka and on a number of occasions that he has been coming to the hospital, he was sad seeing how people were struggling.

He said: “I am glad that what started as a dream has materialized, let me pledge that as an MP I will strive to lobby for resources for a proper District Hospital as this current facility was handed over by Catholics which was used as a leprosy treatment center."

Meanwhile the MP has also pledged to provide a proper kitchen and beddings to be used by the guardians at the facility.

In an interview, Director of Planning and Development for Balaka, Chris Nawata said the district needs a district hospital.

“We already have land reserved for the district hospital, we must move with speed, what if one day the Catholics will need their facility, where will we go?” he wondered.

Amos Mvula, a Clinical Officer hailed the council for the timely intervention saying people were struggling.

"Many times guardians had no proper place to sleep," he said.

Traditional Authority Nsamala also hailed the council for constructing the shelter, observing it will alleviate the challenges that guardians were facing at the hospital.

Nyalunganu Construction, constructed the shelter for a period of three months.