Power Outage at Ndamera Health Center Cripples Services, Affects Local Businesses
A prolonged power outage due to a damaged transformer has severely disrupted services at Ndamera Health Center in Nsanje District. The transformer, which has been out of operation for four weeks, has left the facility struggling to maintain essential services, with the maternity wing and drug storage room particularly affected.
Mary Mainje, the Health Center In-Charge, expressed concern about the facility’s condition, especially in the maternity wing, where midwives are forced to use torches to assist expectant mothers during night deliveries. She noted that the center’s backup power system cannot fully support the entire facility, leaving critical services compromised.
The unstable power supply has also affected the drug storage room, leading to the deterioration of medicines and vaccines. “Drugs and vaccines are being damaged due to unfavorable temperatures because we lack a cooling system to maintain the required conditions,” Mainje explained, highlighting the risks for patients who rely on these supplies.
The outage has also impacted local businesses. Bashir Ramozan Mahomed, a trader at Ntowe Market, expressed frustration, stating that the blackout has significantly hurt his business.
In response, ESCOM Public Relations Manager Kitty Chingota acknowledged the issue but did not provide a specific timeline for resolution. She stated that ESCOM is procuring a 500 kVA transformer for the area and assured the public that efforts are underway to restore power as soon as possible.
The community, patients, and healthcare workers now await swift action to resolve the issue and restore critical health services in Nsanje District.
