By Momodou Faal,
Information officer, Ministry of Health
Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health Friday presided over the handing over of the Essau District Hospital to Mansa Construction for refurbishment. The handing over ceremony of the site took place at the hospital complex in Essau.
Speaking at the occasion Dr Samateh stated that the contract for the total refurbishment of Essau
District hospital has been awarded to Mansa Construction and work at the site is expected to last for seven months.
He disclosed that the total amount for the renovation of the hospital is Nine million Four Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Dalasi ( D9,415,000). He noted that the hospital has been struggling over the years to refer patients to Banjul coupled with the Ferry Crossing adding that it needs to be upgraded to ease the referral to Edward Francis Small Teaching hospital.
The Honorable Minister therefore advised the contractor to provide standard and quality work at the site as nothing less will be compromised. While noted that he came all the way from Banjul to Essau with his senior management team make him know the important attached to the refurbishment and to enable him adhere to agreement they both, Contractor and Ministry, signed.
He later revealed that four contracts were already signed with other contractors among them includes upgrading of NJAU Health Post, Central River Region, renovation of a Dialysis Centre Bansang General Hospital, Central River Region and Wuli Kerewan, Upper River Region and the Sites would be handing over to the contractors during the course of the week.
The Minister used the opportunity to thank UNFPA for their support towards the construction of the Theatre and one of the building staff quarters at the hospital which is already completed.
Hon Matarr Jeng National Assembly Member for Lower Nuimi urged the contractor to ensure that quality work is done at the hospital for prosperity and to make sure that amount given for the work commensurate with the level of standard of work.
The Contractor therefore assured the Minister and his management that Mansa Construction will provide standard and quality service to make the refurbishment of the Essau District Hospital worthwhile as expected.