Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health recently oversaw the inception of the refurbishment of Essau District Hospital by Mansa Construction.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Samateh affirmed that the contract for the total refurbishment of Essau District hospital has been awarded to Mansa Construction at the cost of over nine million Dalasi, and work at the site is expected to last for seven months.
He stated that the hospital has, over the years, been struggling to refer patients to Banjul, exacerbated by the ferry crossing challenge. He stressed the need for the hospital to be upgraded to ease referral to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital.
Dr Samateh also advised the contractor to provide standard and quality work at the site, stressing that quality will not be comprised; hence the reason he and his senior management team travelled from Banjul is to the site.
He also revealed that four other contracts have been entered into for the upgrading of Njau health post in the Central River Region, renovation of a dialysis centre at Bansang General Hospital and Wuli Kerewan in the Upper River Region.
“We want things to be better in this country and leave a legacy. The only way we can do this is to always provide quality service,” he said. The minister seized the opportunity to thank UNFPA for their support towards the construction of the theatre and the staff quarters at the hospital.
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 that the amount given for the work commiserates with the level of standard and quality.
For their part, Mansa Construction assured the minister that they will provide standard and quality service in the refurbishment of the hospital.
By Momodou Faal
