by Kumba Leigh
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has signed four civil works contracts worth D403,983,270 for the rehabilitation and upgrading of health facilities across The Gambia, marking another significant milestone in efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities under the Resilient Building-Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project (RB-VYWoSP). Project.
Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the contracts will finance the renovation and expansion of health facilities in Brikama, Chamen, Foday Kunda, and Yerobawol. These projects complement the ongoing rehabilitation works at the Fatoto and Kuntaur health facilities, further strengthening healthcare infrastructure and service delivery across the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Saikou Jeng, Executive Director of the National Social Protection Agency, described the event as a significant milestone that demonstrates the project’s transition from planning to implementation.
“Today’s ceremony marks another important milestone in the implementation of this project. It reflects our commitment to moving beyond planning and into delivering real improvements that directly benefit vulnerable communities,” Mr. Jeng said.
He emphasized that the investment extends beyond infrastructure, describing the rehabilitation works as an investment in people’s dignity, health, and well-being.
“These contracts represent an investment in people. By rehabilitating these facilities, healthcare services will become more efficient, ensuring that vulnerable citizens receive the quality care they deserve,” he said.
Mr. Jeng also commended the African Development Bank for its steadfast support to The Gambia, describing the institution as one of the country’s most dependable development partners in advancing social protection and strengthening public service delivery.
Saffie Dambelleh, Project Coordinator, said the four contracts include rehabilitation of Brikama Health Facility, awarded to Swami India International at a contract value of D174,838,802.90. Rehabilitation of Chamen Health Facility, awarded to Touray kunda Construction Company for D92,653,561.50. Rehabilitation of Foday Kunda Health Facility, awarded to Movies Engineering and Construction Company valued at D62,216,797.60. Rehabilitation of Yerobawol Health Facility, awarded to Indigo Construction Limited at D74,274,108.00.
“Together, the contracts amount to nearly D404 million, representing one of the largest infrastructure investments under the project’s health component,” she said
Representing the Ministry of Health, Permanent Secretary Mr. Demba Dampha welcomed the initiative, describing the ministry as the primary beneficiary of the rehabilitation works.
“Our facilities are the ones being renovated, and this will give them a major facelift. Many of these health centres are in poor condition, and improving them will significantly enhance healthcare delivery and patient access,” he said.
Mr. Dampha stressed that investing in healthcare is an investment in every Gambian, noting that everyone depends on public health services at one point or another.
He, however, cautioned contractors against unnecessary project delays, a persistent challenge affecting many public infrastructure projects.
Representing the Office of the Vice President, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Chairperson of the Project Steering Committee, Ousman Ceesay, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country.
He described the signing ceremony as the culmination of months of planning, technical assessments, and coordination among stakeholders.
“This achievement reflects government’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that quality health services are accessible to all Gambians,” he stated.
He commended the African Development Bank for aligning its investments with The Gambia’s national development priorities, particularly in the health sector.
According to him, many of the facilities selected for rehabilitation have served communities for decades and remain strategically important to the country’s healthcare system.
“Renovating these facilities and expanding their capacity will improve healthcare delivery while providing a safer and more conducive working environment for health professionals,” he said.
He also called on the Ministry of Works, which is supervising the civil works, to intensify monitoring throughout implementation to ensure strict compliance with engineering standards and contractual obligations.
“The rehabilitation of these four health facilities forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen social protection by improving access to quality healthcare, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable households,” he said.
He added that, once completed, the upgraded facilities are expected to enhance maternal and child health services, expand access to essential healthcare, improve working conditions for health professionals, and reduce service disruptions in underserved communities.
