The Ntchisi District Council has declared the mortuary cold rooms at Ntchisi District Hospital obsolete, raising concerns among residents and local leaders over the impact on bereaved families.

Council spokesperson James Mwale told Zodiak Online that the council is considering replacing the entire unit through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) during the second phase of implementation.

"Considering the condition of the facility, we are planning to replace it with a new one because maintaining the current system could be more costly. This will be done during the second phase of the CDF," said Mwale.

The council's Director of Planning and Development, Dumisani Chiwala, also confirmed that the facility is no longer operational.

"It is true that the facility is no longer in use, and as you have heard, plans are underway to replace the cold rooms with new ones," said Chiwala.

Meanwhile, two traditional leaders from the district, Senior Chief Kalumo and Senior Chief Kasakula, have proposed that all constituencies in the district contribute funds towards rehabilitating the facility.

"Currently, our subjects, especially bereaved families, are forced to transport and bury their loved ones quickly after death because there is nowhere to preserve the bodies. If our proposal is considered, it could help address this challenge," said the two chiefs.

Health rights campaigner George Jobe has urged authorities in Ntchisi to reconsider their timeline and prioritise the project during the first phase of the CDF due to the critical role the mortuary plays in serving communities.

"Looking at how vital this facility is, the council should consider addressing the challenge during the first phase rather than waiting for the second phase. This would help bereaved families, especially those who struggle to find transport in time, by allowing them to keep the bodies of their relatives at the mortuary," said Jobe.

The mortuary has been operational since Ntchisi District Hospital was commissioned in 1992. However, its current state has left many residents worried about the challenges families face following the loss of loved ones.

(Written By: Henderson Charles Msusa)