THE construction of the Choma District Hospital worth K3 billion has reached an advanced stage and would be completed in January next year.

Choma District Commissioner Laiven Apuleni said in an interview in Choma that works at the site which began in August last year were going on as planned.

An on the spot check revealed that the administrative block and laboratory were at window level while the wards and other buildings were on slab level.

"I am happy with the work that is being done at the new hospital. At the pace we are moving I am confident that the works would be completed on schedule," he said.

Mr Apuleni said the project was being funded by the Zambian Government and that all the funds had been released saying there should be no excuses in the delay to finish the construction.

He said once completed, the district hospital would have a bed capacity of 400.

Mr Apuleni said the current hospital was being overcrowded because of the increase in the population in Choma and surrounding districts.

He said Choma General Hospital acted as a referral centre for three districts namely Kaloma, Namwala and Sinazongwe.