Health authority embarks on K20mil housing plan

THE Hela Provincial Health Authority has embarked on a housing plan expected to cost K20 million over the next three years.
The priority is to provide single-type accommodation in the short-term and two to three-bedroom homes in the long term.
Chief executive Dr James Kintwa said one of the challenges was attracting people to go to live in Tari which had some serious security concerns.
“Therefore, the board and management have to provide good accommodation in the Hela Provincial Hospital grounds for staff, especially doctors and health staff who provide emergency services.
“The board and management have started implementing this housing plan with the support of partners including Members of Parliament, the Government and development partners,” he said.
A two-bedroom quadruplex is being constructed with funding of K1.5 million from the Tari Pori District Development Authority chaired by MP James Marape.
Kintwa said the Incentive Fund was funding 24 single-bedroom accommodation for female nurses, costing K4.5 million.
The PHA is building two four-bedroom houses for K600,000.
“We anticipate these works to be completed by the middle of 2019 as accommodation for some of the Hela PHA staff,” he said.
“Additionally, a kitchen and mess is being built for our patients and staff with support from the Incentive Fund.”
Kintwa said a successful partnership was important for improved service delivery.
He thanked Marape, the Incentive Fund and Oil Search Foundation for funding the houses.