Makonda orders timely completion of referral hospital in Ukerewe Island

MWANZA: THE Tanzanian government has emphasized the importance of completing the construction of a referral level hospital in Ukerewe district in the Mwanza region on schedule.

This initiative aims to enable citizens to access specialized and super specialized medical services without the need to travel long distances in search of treatment.

Speaking today while inspecting the progress of the hospital’s construction in Ukerewe District at Mwanza region, The Minister of Information, Arts, Culture, and Sports Mr Paul Makonda, stated that the implementation of the pledge to build the facility has reached over 50 percent completion.

He noted that the building is expected to be finished by February 2027, at which point citizens will begin receiving medical services.

He explained that the construction of this hospital is part of the government’s efforts to bring quality healthcare services closer to the people, specifically the residents of Ukerewe, who have long faced challenges in accessing specialized medical care.

“This hospital will be equipped to provide specialized and super-specialized services, along with the necessary medical equipment, to ensure that citizens receive high-quality healthcare,” he said.

He added that the decision to construct the hospital stems from a commitment to fulfill a promise made to the people of Ukerewe, a district with a large population in need of quality healthcare services.

He added that the implementation of this project underscores the importance of leaders following through on the promises they make to the public, ensuring these commitments are translated into tangible results.

He noted that the hospital has the potential to attract patients from various parts of the Mwanza Region and beyond, a development that could stimulate growth in both the health and tourism sectors on Ukerewe Island.

He remarked that the island’s environment complemented by the availability of traditional, natural foods and its scenic landscapes could enhance its appeal to those visiting for medical care and recuperation.

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He urged regional and district leaders to explore the possibility of developing Ukerewe into a tourism hub for the Lake Zone by strengthening tourist attractions, enhancing beaches, and improving transport infrastructure.

Furthermore, he proposed the construction of a dedicated landing area for medical aircraft to facilitate the transport of patients requiring urgent care at larger medical facilities, such as Bugando Referral Hospital.

Additionally, Minister Makonda requested the allocation of a specific area for physical therapy and exercise for patients. He expressed his satisfaction with the various development projects currently underway in Ukerewe District, including the construction of new schools, council administrative buildings, and road infrastructure.

Project implementation commenced on January 10, 2025, with an initial duration of 18 months, and was scheduled for completion on July 8, 2026.

The project is being executed by the contractor, M/S Dimetoclasa Realhope Limited, in collaboration with Mponela Construction and Company Limited, under the design and supervision of the consulting firm, M/S MALK Consultants Limited.

However, due to challenges in sourcing aggregates in the Ukerewe area, as well as difficulties in transporting construction materials via water, the project implementation has been delayed. Consequently, the contract period has been extended by 214 days, from July 9, 2026, to February 8, 2027.

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