TheCable

A N15 million Primary Health Centre remains under lock despite the health gap in Etevie, Ozoro community.

BudgIT through its project tracking application — Tracka — goes beyond providing access to simplified budgetary information but also allows citizens to monitor the implementation of public projects actively and encourages them to engage their elected officials to ensure service delivery.

In a bid to promote civic awareness and participation in the implementation of constituency projects we visited communities in Delta State to sensitise residents on the provisions awarded to them, distributing copies of budget documents to create awareness and to enhance government accountability. Tracka’s Project Tracking Officer (PTO) visited Etevie, Ozoro, a modest community in Isoko, Delta to sensitise the residents on certain provisions earmarked for the area. 

In 2015, N15 million was earmarked for the construction of a Primary Health Centre in Etevie, Ozoro, Tracka officer observed the community lacked a health care facility, and the residents commute about 10 kilometres to the neighbouring community to access health services, which has led to several deaths and complicated health issues.

Unaware of the existing budgetary provision, the residents were stunned to learn about the fund allotted to them, during the community engagement meeting, we encouraged them to engage their Representative at the National Assembly to ensure project implementation. The head of the community sent letters to Honourable  Leonard Ogor and the Ministry of Health to inquire the status of the project; these letters were accompanied by BudgIT’s correspondence for the same purpose.

Now aware of the provision as stated in the budget document distributed by BudgIT, Etevie residents reported the construction of the Primary health centre commenced in April 2016. The tracking officer followed up to until the building reached completion in October, 2016. Upon return to the project site in December 2016, we expected adequate provisions for equipment into the completed health centre, however,  Tracka PTO reported the fencing of the building was ongoing.

Our recent visit to the completed Primary Health Center in April 2017 revealed the building remains under lock and key, surrounded by fast growing weed and there are no known provisions for the needed medical equipment facilities.  Ensuing letters have been sent to the public officials in charge of the project to ensure the Primary health centre in Etevie is equipped and functioning to tend to the residents.

This material was written by BudgIT