By Politico Staff Writer
As Engage Now Africa commences construction of a modern Health Centre in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone the facility will include a Lab, two delivery rooms, and a standby ambulance for emergencies.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the commencement of the project on the 17th of February 2024, the Country Director of Engage Now Africa, Ibrahim Jalloh explained that when the health facility is completed, the government will provide health workers, whilst his organization will give stipends to the staff.
He added that the organization will train nurses on how to operate computers, and also provide drugs to patients that they’ll have to refer to Bo Government Hospital.
Jalloh stated that under-five children, lactating mothers, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those who can’t afford medical services will receive free medication at the hospital.
The Director said that their institution is operating in Five Countries, giving support in various sectors such as health, education, and agriculture.
He called on residents in the community to protect the building materials.
In his keynote address, Bo City’s Mayor Kobba Musa described the occasion as a historic one.
Explaining the struggles they went through to attain the land for the hospital's construction, Musa said they won the land from someone who wanted to use it for an abattoir.
He said that the people of Kindia town Community decided to choose a hospital over an abattoir, noting that the council supported what the people wanted.
The Mayor said they prioritized the needs of the people, which was why when Engage Now Africa approached them to build a Hospital at Kindia Town, they embraced the initiative.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the event, Minister of Energy Alhaji Dr. Kanja Sesay spoke on the importance of a hospital in the community, noting that access to healthcare is a challenge.
"This project is ours. Let us support it as it will benefit all of us including those who are not residing in this community", the minister said.
Councilor Abdul Razak Kanu explained that he had issues with the outgoing Mayor of Bo Municipality Harold Tucker, who had wanted private people to take over the land.
Kanu explained that after a long battle, they succeeded in getting the land and that he was looking forward to finding someone who would quickly develop it for the benefit of the residents of the community.
According to the Councilor, the current mayor and the Energy Minister played a vital role for the people to own the land.
Kanu said that there are eight sections in the Community with no health facility.
Representing the women, Haja Fanta Mansaray spoke on the challenges the people, especially women face to access health care. She said the health facility was the realization of a dream. Construction is expected to last eight months.
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