Maternal mortality, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths have been eradicated in Lopo area of Chipata City following the construction of a CDF-funded Lopo clinic.
Residents have expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for responding to the appeals of Luangeni Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker Moses Moyo, who consistently lobbies for development.
Headman Lopo, Azele Jere, explained that the facility was initiated with Moyo’s personal resources and later completed using CDF, benefiting villages including Mugabi, Lopo, Kasauka, Kanjondo, Dingeni, Simoni, Botha, and Chimalo.
Letisha Nyendwa highlighted that the clinic features a modern main structure, flushable toilets, and a water tank, reducing the distance residents previously travelled to access services in Katandala.
Agness Jere recalled that before the clinic was built, residents paid K200 to Katandala clinic and another K200 if referred to Mwami.
She lamented that thieves stole a water pump, forcing women to fetch water from alternative points to sustain operations.
Emma Phiri noted that Lopo clinic has eased congestion at Katandala, which was previously oversubscribed.
She expressed disappointment that the theft of the water pump has undermined community progress.
Vice Headman Lopo, Aaron Jere, appealed for the construction of a staff house, as health care workers still commute from Mwami Border area, occasionally disrupting service delivery.
“When Moyo began campaigning to become MP for Luangeni, we requested assistance to build the clinic. He advanced the project to roof level, while the community contributed stones and sand. He purchased cement, blocks, and paid for labour. He also drilled and equipped a borehole from his own resources. Attempts to drill two boreholes under CDF failed as they were dry. We relied on a community borehole, but its pump was stolen. We carried out wiring, so we are requesting electrification as the facility is too dark at night. We further urge the Ministry of Health to revise the system that closes such facilities at 16:00 hours and does not operate on Saturdays and Sundays, because illness can occur at any time,” he said.