Construction of St. Mary’s Children and Women’s Specialised Hospital Project, Bujumbura is in high gears, this project was launched on Saturday 25th June 2022 with the fundraising ceremony that started with a session of Holy mass at 10am in Bujumbura led by the Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese ;Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo accompanied by the entire Hoima Catholic and Christian community with well wishers.
During a short site visit made by the office of the Diocese found a bee hive of activity and the following were in place: water from production well which was excavated on site, electricity and outdoor latrines.
According to Philip Mbuga site engineer, the following is so far done; ground levelling, foundation excavation, column pads laying and casting, foundation blinding and brick work has started on the west end of the structure. This is being done concurrently with concrete compacting of the foundation column pads on the east end.
By October Mbuga is looking forward to being done with foundation walls and beams, casting of foundation coloumns together with casting of the general ground slab.
He cited the challenge of the vagaries of weather which hinder mobility, work pace and materials’ delivery.
The project is the brain child of Bp. Kirabo to expand Bujumbura Health Centre III which should last at least seven years to reach completion to offer specialized treatment to Women and children as well as general attention to male’s illnesses.
According to Sr. Josephine Kirabo, one of the members of the Specialized Hospital Project taskforce and Incharge Bujumbura Health III informed team that the Hospital is expected to have a 215 bed capacity of which 45 will be Private beds.
Being a Mega project, this work still needs a lot resources, goodwill and prayers however thanks to efforts of the taskforce and generous contributions from the populace.