Crisis at Nambale hospital as water supply is cut

Patients seeking treatment at Nambale Sub-County Hospital in Busia County have been forced to carry water from home to the facility, after supply of the precious commodity was cut.

Water to the facility was disconnected over three weeks ago due to an accumulated debt of about Sh67,000 since last year November.

Speaking at the hospital on Monday, Mr Ben Ong’aria, a resident, accused county health officials of negligence.

“We have experienced water problems in the hospital for more than three weeks. We have complained to the relevant authorities, but there is no response on the matter,” Mr Ong'aria said.

“Patients admitted to the facility have to buy food because the hospital kitchen has been closed. Patients who come from far are buying a 20-litre jerrican at Sh50,” he added.

A patient who requested anonymity told Nation.co.ke that she went hungry the whole of Sunday as the hospital was unable to provide food for them.

“I never knew the hospital will not provide food. I was surprised to be given a cup of tea without milk as my lunch and dinner. When I inquired, I was told there was no water to cook for patients,” she said.

Sources also told Nation.co.ke that staff at the hospital have been on a go-slow and that they are planning to strike if the water supply is not restored.

Hospital workers, however, refused to comment on the issue.

Busia County health workers, who called off their two-week strike earlier this month, had raised water shortages at some of the facilities among their grievances.

Efforts to get comments from the hospital administration and county officials were unsuccessful.