MZUZU-(MaraviPost)—Members of the Island District of Likoma have reopened the District Health Office (DHO) after a two-month closure due to alleged mismanagement of Covid-19 resources and incessant absence from office by the responsible officer, Dr Tizgowere Western Nyirenda.
After the community members took to the streets two months ago, demanding an immediate replacement of the said officer with Dr Gracewell Matewere from Nkhata Bay District Health Office, government has finally succumbed to the demands.
According to Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson and his Vice Mathews Manyoka and Martin Mkwamba, respectively, the community members are now overjoyed with the decision.
Reports indicate that the community members were in bad blood with Dr Nyirenda after he allegedly purchased Covid-19 materials, worth K30 million, on his own without involving Internal Procurement Committee (IPC) of the office; and later on failed to furnish the committee with a comprehensive procurement report.
He was also alleged that he was mostly out of office as he used to be at Rumphi District Health Office where he claimed to be assigned to other duties.
Meanwhile, Chairperson for Likoma District Council, Ernest Gulu, has hailed the community members for reopening the office for the new officer to prepare for duties.
He has, however, appealed to the incoming officer to clear the damage believed to have been caused by his predecessor for the sake of quality services.
