WASH & Electrification in Rural Health Clinics

Construction work at Volobe Community Health Centre (CSB) is progressing steadily, with several important improvements already underway. The CSB serves around 400–500 patients every month, but limited infrastructure has made it difficult for healthcare workers to provide safe and reliable care, particularly at night. This project is addressing these challenges through improvements to the CSB’s facilities, WASH infrastructure and access to electricity. 

The deteriorating roof of the CSB has now been repaired, with durable concrete guttering also installed to improve its resilience to heavy weather. Construction of a new staff accommodation building is progressing well, with the foundations and walls now complete. Once finished, the accommodation will allow healthcare workers to remain on-site overnight, improving their availability for emergencies such as childbirth and reducing the need to travel in the dark. 

Work has also begun on a new sanitation block containing three gender-segregated VIP latrines and a menstrual hygiene management facility, which will also provide shower facilities. A 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system will provide running water for the new facilities, as well as drinking and handwashing stations. 

One of the project’s biggest milestones so far has been the installation of a new solar electricity system. Solar panels, a generator and fixed-lumen lighting are now providing reliable electricity throughout the CSB, enabling healthcare workers to provide safer care during night-time emergencies and overnight births. 

The project is also supporting the long-term use of these improvements through WASH training for CSB staff and hygiene education for patients and their families. A WASH management committee has been established to help oversee the new facilities and promote good hygiene practices. 

The remote location of Volobe has presented some challenges, with construction materials having to be carried 10 kilometres by foot over difficult terrain. However, the local community has enthusiastically supported the project by helping transport materials to the site, demonstrating their commitment to improving healthcare in Volobe.