Halcrow Foundation helped rebuild Libuyu Health Centre and maternity and child wing in Livingstone, Zambia.
The project was managed by Build It International, a UK-based charity we have worked with since 2019. As well as constructing community buildings like health centres and schools, Build It International creates opportunities for young people in Zambia through skills training and work experience.
Cramped facilities
Before work began, the community health centre was in a run-down state and deteriorating fast, with cramped facilities that offered little privacy for patients. Its buildings were not fit for purpose and some sections were over 30 years old. The number of patients has risen dramatically over the years and healthcare services, including maternity, were squeezed into cramped facilities.
The facility benefits more than 20,000 people from the Libuyu community and surrounding areas, and staff worked hard to ensure the delivery of vital healthcare services continued during the large-scale project. Our funds paid for removing the old roof, which was in a very poor condition, and replacing it with a safe, watertight new one. This had to be done in sections during the dry seasons and included new trusses and sheeting as well as ceiling boards across the entire building.
Work experience
The health centre now has new consultancy, treatment and examination rooms, laboratories, pharmacy space, separate wards for men, women and children, and sanitation facilities including upgraded toilets and showers. “Before the building behind there was squeezed but now we have enough space to do our activities. We are very happy,” said Matimba Mweemba, MCH Nurse at Libuyu Health Centre.
Build It International graduates also worked as contractors on the project, leading the construction of the new maternity wing and plastering, painting and tiling. This earned them money and valuable work experience.
Here are some of the people working on the project, and community members and staff benefitting from the new centre.
Photo credits: Build It International
