By M, KNA
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has issued a stern warning to contractors delivering shoddy work on projects within the county that they risk legal action.
Speaking after inspecting Nyangito ward at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisii town, Arati said those found delivering substandard work would be prosecuted.
“Preliminary findings from a team of multi-sectoral engineers had indicated extensive cracks on several pillars and beams in the building housing Nyangito ward, making them unable to sustain the weight of the building,” the Governor noted.
He added that once a conclusive report of their findings is tabled, they would engage the investigative agencies to take action against the contractor who completed the works over eight years ago.
The County chief noted the facility had faced a huge challenge in terms of relocating over 500 patients from the affected hospital wing for safety.
During the visit, Arati also waived over Sh4 million medical bills for 131 patients who had been detained at the facility due to pending bills.
Some of the patients were part of those evacuated from the condemned building.
The Governor encouraged residents to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, acknowledging that the system is facing some operational challenges.
He also announced improvements at KTRH, including the purchase of a new CT scan, 12 ventilators and 100 mattresses.
Engineer Lawrence Gitau from the State Department for Public Works led the team in inspecting the Nyangito ward block.
Gitau noted his team, working alongside county engineers, had discovered that the metal reinforcements of the building were already bending.
“This structure that was built about eight years ago, appears to have been constructed with inadequate metal, poor soil and low-quality concrete,” he reported.
Gitau said they will conduct further assessments to ascertain whether the building should be reinforced or demolished entirely depending on the final report.
He urged Kenyans to always seek the services of registered engineers and architects for multi-storey constructions.
Patients whose bills had been waived, expressed gratitude to Governor Arati with Sarah Nyabate, who had stayed at the facility for three months after giving birth, elated she was finally heading home.
Another patient, Mary Mandera, who had been detained for a month, urged the government to resolve challenges with SHA, saying it had been her biggest obstacle to receiving care.
