By: Binta Jaiteh
Hon Dawda Jeng, the lawmaker for Niamina East, has called on the Minister of Health, Dr. Momodou Lamin Samateh, to address the room shortage at the Kundang Health Centre.
“Kundang Health Centre has been under renovation for over a year, yet services remain ineffective. Currently, 3 to 4 nurses are being accommodated in the same room. Are there plans to expedite the renovation so that both patients and staff can work in a healthier and more conducive environment?” Jeng asked.
In response, Minister Samateh acknowledged the delay in completing the renovation, stating that it should have been finished according to the signed contract.
“The situation at Kundang Health Centre is very disappointing. The frustrations are caused by the contractors and consultants. This is a World Bank-funded project, and the funds are available, but the contractors are not delivering as expected. Health centers in Kiang Karantaba, Bansang, Kaur, Basse, LRR, North Bank, and East are all facing similar problems,” Minister Samateh explained.
He further revealed that a directive had been given to the Permanent Secretary to engage the Project Coordination Unit of the ministry and the Ministry of Justice for possible legal action against the contractors and consultants involved in the renovation.
Hon. Omar Jammeh, the NAM for Janjanbureh, also raised concerns regarding the lack of an ambulance for his constituency. He stated that since 2020, the people of Janjanbureh have been deprived of ambulance services, despite the large catchment areas that rely on the health facility.
“The people deserve basic health care services. When will the people of Janjanbureh and its surroundings be supported with an ambulance service?” Jammeh asked.
Minister Samateh responded by confirming that new ambulances had been procured to replace the old ones, which were involved in a road traffic accident. He assured that the ambulances had been handed over to the facility.
However, Hon Jammeh expressed frustration, saying that despite the promise, the ambulances had not yet been delivered to the health facility. “I donated an ambulance to the facility eight months ago with a promise from the minister to service it. Ask the minister if that promise has been fulfilled,” he questioned.
At this point, the Minister attempted to respond, but the Speaker interjected, and the question was not addressed.
