It was a relief for people of Okpurukpuali Community in Ogba Egbema/Ndoni Local Council of Rivers State as the council boss commenced construction of the first health care facility in the community in six decades.
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The Guardian gathered that inaccessibility to healthcare centres in the area had led to several deaths of some pregnant women, who died on their way to the headquarters at Omoku for available health care.
  
The women, during site inspection of the healthcare facility, yesterday, expressed delight over the project, saying lack of access to health care was an aged problem.
  
Speaking, the Local Council boss, Vincent Job, said his administration was keen on prioritising health care issues, and making medical care easily accessible to women, children and the elderly in the community.
  
According to him, access to health centres would help in early detection for any ailment with the intention to save more lives. He said: “Our women have suffered a lot, even our sick children could only get medical attention at Omoku, our headquarters, resulting in casualties sometimes.
  
“Hence, we the need to bring health care centre to the rural community of Okpurukpuali.” While urging the community as well as the Usomini people to guard the project jealously and ensure maximum use of it to improve their health status, Job promised to ensure speedy completion of the project, which has gone half way.
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Similarly, the supervisory Counsellor of health in the area, Dr. Stella Gada, said the issue of women being in labour and travelling for about one hour to Omoku for healthcare means a lot.
  
“As a mother, I have been in labour and know what it means to stay one hour in labour without access to health care, it is not something you wish for someone.
  
“ So, we are determined to ensure the completion of this significant project, the Chairman doesn’t play with his promises, this project is so dear to his heart,” she said.
  
A woman in the area, Chineyere Ewe, said they were happy with the initiative and prayed to God to bless the Council boss. The Council boss also flagged off the construction of a town hall in Obigbor community within the area.
  
Speaking, the Traditional Ruler of the Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Gift Okoro, said the people are happy with the projects. According to her, it will help to stem youth restiveness and unemployment in the area.
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