Dr Samateh awarded the contract to Mansa Construction with an agreement that work will last for seven months.
He said the hospital has been struggling over the years to refer patients to Banjul coupled with the ferry crossing problems, adding that it needs to be upgraded to ease the referral to Edward Francis Small Teaching hospital.
He strongly advised the contractor to provide standard and quality work at the site noting that quality will not be compromised adding that the main reason for him coming with his Senior Management Team from Banjul is to make it very clear to the contractor to adhere to the agreement with the Ministry.
Health minister Samateh revealed that four contracts have been also signed with contractors, including the upgrading of N health post in the Central River Region, renovation of a dialysis centre at Bansang General Hospital and Wuli Kerewan in the Upper River region, noting that the sites would be handed to the contractors during the course of the week.
“We want to things to be better in the country and the only way we can do that is to always provide quality service” he asserted.
Dr Samateh also seized the opportunity to thank UNFPA for their support towards the construction of the Theatre and one of the staff quarters at the hospital which is already completed.
Matarr Jeng, National Assembly Member for Lower Nuimi urged the contractor to ensure that quality work is done at the hospital for posterity and to make sure that amount given for the work commensurate with the level of work, noting that this is the expectation from him upon completion of work at the site.
Mansa Construction representative assured the minister that they will provide standard and quality service for the refurbishment of the Essau District hospital as expected.
