Masindi hospital to save Shs60 million annually as Rotary hands over solar water project
Baguma noted that the club has consistently supported Masindi General Hospital, recalling that in March this year, Rotary donated medical equipment worth millions of shillings to the facility.
Masindi: Masindi General Hospital is set to save approximately Shs60 million annually following the commissioning of a USD 62,000 solar-powered water project donated by the Rotary Club of Masindi.
Hospital management says the facility has been spending about Shs5 million every month on water bills, amounting to Shs60 million annually. The new project is expected to eliminate those costs while ensuring a reliable water supply for both patients and staff.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the hospital, Ronalds K Baguma, the Projects Director at Rotary Club of Masindi, said the project was initiated after the club identified the hospital’s recurring expenditure on water.
“After carrying out an assessment, we decided to find a sustainable solution by providing a water source where the hospital would no longer have to pay water bills,” Baguma said.
Baguma noted that the club has consistently supported Masindi General Hospital, recalling that in March this year, Rotary donated medical equipment worth millions of shillings to the facility.
He explained that the one-year USD 62,000 project was funded by the Rotary Foundation, a branch of Rotary International. The solar-powered system is capable of pumping 60,000 litres of water per day and includes six water storage tanks, each with a capacity of 10,000 litres.
“The solar-powered water project will pump 60,000 litres of water daily and has six tanks of 10,000 litres each. This has partly addressed the water challenge at the hospital,” he added.
Simon Baguma, the Masindi Hospital Administrator described the project as a major breakthrough, saying it provides the hospital with a dependable and free water source.
“The challenge of water has been addressed since we now have a free water source that will serve both hospital staff and patients,” he said.
Baguma said the hospital will now save at least Shs60 million every year, funds that had previously been spent on monthly water bills.
“We have been paying about Shs5 million every month for water. Now that we have this solar-powered system, the money will be redirected to other hospital needs such as buying fuel and maintaining the water pump,” he explained.
Dr. Rogers Musinguzi, the Acting Executive Consultant at Masindi General Hospital applauded Rotary Club of Masindi for its continued support towards improving healthcare services.
“Rotary has consistently supported this hospital. They recently donated medical supplies worth millions, and now they have handed over this water project. It will greatly improve sanitation at the facility,” Dr. Musinguzi said.
He appealed to other development partners and well-wishers to emulate Rotary’s support for the hospital.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer’s office, Musa Kyamiza, the Principal Assistant Secretary, assured Rotary that the project would be properly maintained and put to good use.
“I urge the hospital staff to improve service delivery now that this challenge has been addressed. If there is no noticeable difference, then we shall have failed to maximise this opportunity,” Kyamiza said.
Masindi General Hospital currently receives about 200 outpatients daily and admits more than 900 patients every month, making a reliable water supply critical for effective healthcare delivery.
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