Wa West Member of Parliament (MP), Peter Lanchene Toobu, has released GHS 74,510 to complete the abandoned Kachiau Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound. This action will significantly improve healthcare access for residents in the Wa West District of Ghana’s Upper West Region.
The allocated amount originates from the MP’s Common Fund allocation. This funding targets the swift completion of the health facility. Its construction began in 2016 under the previous MP, Joseph Yieleh Chireh. The project, however, became abandoned before its full completion, leaving residents without local healthcare options.
The completion of this facility addresses a critical gap in public health infrastructure within the Wa West District. Many rural communities in Ghana rely on CHPS compounds for primary healthcare services. The prolonged abandonment meant residents, especially vulnerable groups, faced hardship accessing basic medical care. This situation reflects a broader challenge in Ghana regarding the equitable distribution and completion of public infrastructure projects, particularly in underserved regions.
Simon Yirinebe, the Assembly Member for the Kandeu Electoral Area, expressed significant concern over the project's delay. He described the prolonged inaction as a major setback for healthcare delivery in the area. The Wa West District Chief Executive (DCE), Richard Wulo, confirmed the District Assembly’s engineering team has started work. Mr. Wulo specified that the works include completing a four-seater VIP toilet and extending electricity. The project involves installing three electricity poles and addressing other outstanding infrastructural requirements. This commitment underscores a renewed focus on completing critical community projects.
The successful completion and operationalisation of the Kachiau CHPS compound will have immediate positive implications. It will reduce the burden on residents, particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and the elderly, who currently travel long distances. This is especially challenging during the rainy season when poor road conditions exacerbate the difficulty of reaching healthcare facilities in neighbouring communities like Wechiau. The District Chief Executive expects the rehabilitation and completion works to finish within one month. This timeline positions the facility for commissioning and operationalisation soon. This will mark a significant step towards improving health outcomes and local socio-economic conditions in Kachiau.