Construction of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound is underway at Soe Yidongo in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, with the contractor targeting completion within six months.
The facility, supported by the Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM), is expected to bring primary healthcare services closer to residents of Soe Yidongo and surrounding communities, who currently travel long distances to access medical care.
Assembly Member for the Soe Tamolga Yidongo Electoral Area, Ataba Philmon Atiah, said securing the project followed engagements between the community and the supporting organisation over the area’s healthcare needs.
“It is not easy to get this project, but through our prayers and God’s intervention, we are able to get this project with them,” he said.
Mr. Atiah said the community played an active role in identifying its healthcare needs and engaging development partners for support.
He said the facility, when completed, would strengthen primary healthcare delivery, particularly maternal and child health services, including antenatal care, monitoring of pregnant women and other basic medical services.
The Assembly Member appealed to residents to continue supporting the construction and take ownership of the facility once it becomes operational.
Meanwhile, Solomon Tamakloe, a representative of Glasel Company Limited, the company executing the project, said work is progressing despite challenges with the acquisition of construction materials, the rainy season and inadequate labour.
“Actually, the project is for six months. We had to get it completely done by six months, even though we are facing a few challenges here and there,” he said.
Mr. Tamakloe said the company remains confident of completing the facility within the agreed period.
“We are on course. We’re trying our best to meet the timeline,” he said.
He, however, identified the lack of electricity in the area as a major challenge and appealed to the Assembly, the community and electricity authorities to support the extension of power to the area.
“We need to extend light to this section, and we need the electricity company to also come on board,” he appealed.
Mr. Tamakloe said electricity would be important not only for the construction and eventual operation of the CHPS compound but also for other development projects in the area, including an educational facility under construction.
Safura Ahmed, a resident who is also working on the project, welcomed the construction of the CHPS compound, saying it would reduce the long distances residents currently travel to access healthcare.
She said the project is already providing economic opportunities for some residents through temporary employment, allowing them to earn income to support themselves and their families.
Ms. Ahmed appealed to authorities to complement the health facility with electricity, potable water and a primary school to improve living conditions and meet the growing needs of the community.
Residents are hopeful that the CHPS compound will be completed within the six month timeframe and adequately equipped to provide essential healthcare services to Soe Yidongo and surrounding communities.
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