Oyam, Uganda – Oyam District is on the verge of a healthcare revolution, as Build Mast Engineering Company Ltd nears the completion of two critical health centre construction projects.
With a total budget of UGX 1.8 billion, the projects in Acokara and Okwir Health Centres are not only set to improve healthcare access but also highlight the company’s commitment to local development and gender inclusivity.
In Otwal Subcounty, Acokara Health Centre II is being upgraded to a Health Centre III and work is progressing rapidly, with the project nearing completion.
Set for completion by the end of January 2025, the new facility will include a spacious maternity ward, as well as specialized wards for male, female, paediatric, and post-natal care, addressing the community’s growing healthcare needs.
Joan Abigaba Abooki, the Site Engineer for Acokara project, explained that the old health centre was struggling to keep up with the increasing population.
“The new facilities will accommodate the expanding community, providing modern care in a more efficient and accessible setting,” she said.
A twin staff house is also under construction to house healthcare workers, ensuring adequate staffing for the upgraded facility.
Despite challenges, such as supply chain issues, Abooki shared that the project has moved forward smoothly, with no major setbacks.
She also praised the company’s dedication to employing local labour, noting that five women have been part of the team since the project began, with two currently working on-site.
In Iceme Subcounty, a brand-new healthcare facility is emerging from the ground up.
Okwir Health Centre III, a project that started in June 2023, is on track to be ready for use by the end of January 2025.
Unlike Acokara, Okwir Health Centre is being built from scratch to serve a community that previously had no dedicated healthcare infrastructure.
Apili Jesca Prisca, the Site Engineer for the Okwir project, outlined that the maternity ward is nearly finished, with only solar power installation remaining to ensure sustainable energy use.
“Most of the major construction work is complete,” said Prisca. “We’re now focused on finalizing essential systems like the septic tank and latrines.”
A deep water well has been drilled, solving previous water access issues, and water infrastructure is now in place.
Prisca emphasized the importance of the project for the local community, noting that it will provide crucial healthcare services in a region that lacked modern medical facilities.
“Okwir Health Centre will make a huge difference in the lives of the people here,” she added.
In addition to enhancing healthcare access, Build Mast Engineering Company Ltd is committed to empowering local communities through job creation.
Both projects have prioritized the recruitment of local workers, including women, providing employment opportunities and supporting the district’s economy.
At Okwir Health Centre III, the company has employed a total of 15 female workers, with 6 still actively working on-site as the project nears completion.
Joan Abigaba Abooki pointed out the company’s focus on gender equality, stating that women have been involved in both technical and non-technical roles throughout the projects.
Currently, at both construction sites, there are combined female and male workers, with the workforce fluctuating based on project needs.
Build Mast Engineering Company Ltd has shown flexibility in adapting to the demands of the construction process, ensuring that the projects are completed efficiently and on time.
The completion of these two health centres will have a profound impact on the local community, both in terms of healthcare access and economic development.
With modern, well-equipped facilities, Acokara and Okwir Health Centres will provide much-needed services to a district that has long struggled with inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
By prioritizing local labour and gender inclusion, Build Mast Engineering Company Ltd is not only contributing to the district’s health but also fostering sustainable development in the region.
As the projects approach their final stages, the community looks forward to the transformative effects these health centres will bring.
Last year, Buildmast Engineering Co. Ltd delivered outstanding work at Lira University, completing the 1st phase of the 2-storey Medical Interns Hostel for 1.248B shillings!
They took the project to roof level with precision & professionalism, setting the foundation for its near completion.
