Over a decade after its establishment, Ore Dispensary in Wasimbete Ward, Suna West sub-county, has fallen into disrepair, overtaken by overgrown weeds, urchins, and bats. Despite being a recurring campaign promise for three consecutive general elections since the inception of devolved units in 2013, the dispensary remains non-operational.
Residents, who had hoped the facility would eliminate the need to travel 16 kilometers to Nyamaraga Health Center, are increasingly frustrated. Phineas Olunga, a local resident, expressed his dismay: “Since devolution started and after being used as a political campaign gimmick, we are still staring at closed gates at our dispensary as we walk long distances to access health services.”
The dispensary’s construction was stalled despite a resident donating the land. Olunga explained, “The family that donated the land was never paid on time, and then we had contractors who come and go after we make noise during election cycles.”
Two years into Governor Ochillo Ayacko’s term, little progress has been made. “The hospital was painted, a gate placed, and a toilet built, but the gates remain closed, and the dispensary is deteriorating again,” Olunga said.
Similar issues plague approximately 30 other health facilities across Migori County. Governor Ayacko stated that his administration has identified these facilities for improvement, with 18 slated to become operational in the current financial year. “We inherited several health facilities with management issues, including land, staffing, and infrastructure, which we will revamp soon,” Ayacko said during an interview on Ramogi FM on July 31.
Migori Health Executive Awuor Nyerere echoed this commitment, emphasizing that all health facilities will be opened and their progress is already allocated in the budget. “We have health facilities without toilets, sources of water, land ownership rows, or adequate staff, and we will ensure all of them will be operational soon,” Nyerere stated on July 30.
Both officials highlighted that staffing has been impacted by court cases involving the Migori County Public Service Board (MCPSB). However, they assured residents that their campaign pledges for better health standards in Migori County are on track to be fulfilled.
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