The beautification of the Lamu King Fahd Hospital lawns has proved to be partly a nuisance after it was turned into a relaxation site by idlers and smokers.
The hospital administration has complained about the irking situation as the idlers are known to make loud noises that greatly disturb the peace of patients at the facility.
The King Fahd Level Four hospital situated in Lamu Island is the largest hospital in the county and attends to hundreds of patients daily.
The beautification of the front yard of the hospital was undertaken in 2016 to provide ample space for patients to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze as the facility is located close to the sea front.
The place was also to serve as a waiting bay for members of the public coming to visit their patients at the hospital.
It has, however, become a place for miraa and muguka chewers to enjoy their herbs as they converse in the loudest tones.
Smokers have also turned it into their favourite joint.
Lamu Health executive Mbarak Bahjaj said the yard is no longer serving its intended purpose as it is being abused by members of the public.
Some of the idlers are said to use loud, vulgar and derogatory language during their conversations while at the yard.
Bahjaj said the county government is considering using police to forcibly disperse such individuals from the hospital premises.
“The situation is not pleasant and as a county, we are not happy,” he said.
“The idlers have become a thorn in the flesh. We have asked them continuously to respect the place but they don’t seem to listen. We may have to bring in the police.”
The county government recently announced plans to further improve the beautification project at a cost of Sh50 million.
The project is by the county in conjunction with the UN-Habitat, which will among other things seal off the current entry site to the yard.
“We want to improve it further because it’s not complete as is,” he said.
“We start anytime from now, during which we shall seal off the entrance to help us regulate who comes in. That will be done and ready by December this year.”