People living around Dzaone area in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chikowi in Zomba were promised a bridge by their parliamentarian Patrick Makina to connect the area to Magomero Health Centre where they access health care.

However, three years down the line, Mikuwe Bridge is yet to be constructed. This made a local community radio listening club established by Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) under Every Woman Every Child (EWEC) project to follow up on the matter as Makina said the construction of the bridge will be carried out with Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The chairperson of Nanjiri Radio Listening club Victor Mpama said the grouping was empowered to amplify community voice on the issues of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH).

“We were told that Social accountability of public resources is vital in ensuring health outcomes for women, children and adolescents hence we should hold our duty bearers accountable to ensure improved health delivery for our area,” he explained.

After observing that the construction of the bridge was delaying, the group organized itself to meet their parliamentarian to hear from the horse’s mouth on the reasons that is delaying the project.

The bridge is critical especially during rainy season where women deliver in their homes due to challenges to cross the river to access antenatal and postnatal care at Magomero health centre.

The discussions and recording of a program on the issue helped Makina to start working with the Village Development Committee (VDC) to facilitate the construction of the bridge as they were assured that the funds for the project is intact.

“EWEC project opened our eyes, we would like our women to access quality health care therefore we will not relent until Mikuwe bridge is constructed,” Mpama emphasized.