By: Staff Writer
The visiting leadership of the Association of Bong Miners (ABM) from the United States of America, who are on official visit as part of official tour of crucial public facilities including Bong Mines Hospital and Bong Central High School, has expressed dissatisfaction over the deplorable status of the hospital.
Against the backdrop, the organization has promised to re- electrify the hospital as a way of giving back to Bong Mines and uplifting the hope of the people.
Making the disclosure Wednesday February 15, during a brief engagement with newsmen following a joint delegation tour of the area, headed by Mr. Henry Carr, president of the Association of Bong Miners Liberia Chapter (ABML), Madam Helen William – Nyemah, national president of ABM- Diaspora expressed sadness over what she termed as “not up to standard” the current status of the hospital therefore, ABM has plan to re-electrify the hospital.
Madam William – Nyemah was followed by Benedict Philips, co- chair Re-electrification Committee, who is one of the delegates from the U.S emphasized that the electrification project is the most needed to give back to the community.
“We are targeting health first followed by education”, he noted, saying the re- electrification of the hospital is a major project on the plate of ABM – Diaspora in coordination with ABM Liberia.
The Bong Mines hospital is the only public facility in the area and cater to an average of 20 to 30 patients per day with a work force up to 100 persons and has a budget of less than US$100k per year.
ABM USA Chapter and Liberia Chapter Visiting Delegations in Picture at the Hospital
The hospital will spend up to US$12K on fuel to fully run it per month. Because of the low budgetary allotment from central government, the hospital is unable to fully run the generator, according to a source who spoke on anonymity during the tour on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Among the enormous challenges the facility is faced with, were also deplorable offices, dilapidated beds coupled with critical equipment dated back to the 70s were seen in the delivery room of the hospital.
However, Mr. Philips said they are aware that running a generator is cost intensive and added that the project to re-electrify Bong Mines Hospital will bring great relief to the community as well as nearby towns as he put the cost of the solar project for the hospital in the neighborhood of US$70 to 85K and assured that the project will commence this year.
ABM USA Chapter and Liberia Chapter Post for Photo at The Bong Mines Public School
Also speaking was Varfee Keita, conductor and program chair of the project, stressed that the organization is going to encourage members in the U.S to pay their dues as a way of contributing to the success of the project. He said ABM Diaspora and the local chapter are passionate about giving back to the community.
For his part, the President of the ABM Liberia chapter, Mr. Henry Carr expressed delight about the sisterly collaboration to uplift the spirit of Bong Mines, as he maintained that with all things constant the project will be completed this year.
