By: Aminata Sesay
The long-delayed construction of the Bio Government Hospital in Lumley is set to resume in the next two weeks, according to Andrew. Sorie the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health (MOH). This announcement was made during a session with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament on Wednesday, 21st May 2025.
The Permanent Secretary explained that recent delays in the construction process were caused by issues related to the contractual arrangements, particularly involving intermediaries. “The contract involves a middle person between the Ministry and the contractor these are the consultants, who report directly to the contractors,” he clarified.
He further noted that financial gaps had initially caused delays in reporting and progress, but these issues are now being addressed. “We have asked the consultants to submit reports on the status of their hospitals. There are three hospitals involved, and they are all in advanced stages of completion,” he added.
One major concern highlighted was the stark contrast between the newly completed GMB Hospital and the adjacent general hospital, which remains in a dilapidated state. “You can’t have such a beautiful hospital and have rundown facilities right next to it. It’s putting pressure on the GMB because people mistakenly go there seeking services meant for the general hospital,” the Permanent Secretary noted.
Efforts to complete the general hospital have been intensified. Key discussions were held with the Ministry of Finance two weeks ago, and a status report has since been forwarded to the Kuwaiti funding partners. The government is now awaiting a response.
“We believe work will resume in the next two weeks,” he confirmed, expressing optimism that the long-delayed project will finally move forward.
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Chairman of the PAC, raised broader concerns about the pace of development in Africa, questioning why European nations seem more capable of supporting projects on the continent. “Is it because they have production facilities? Or because they adhere strictly to tax payments?” he inquired. He urged the Ministry of Health to expedite the completion of the hospital, ensuring it doesn’t take over a decade to finish.
The Lumley Bio Government Hospital is part of a larger healthcare infrastructure project aimed at improving access to quality health services in Sierra Leone. Its timely completion is expected to ease the burden on nearby facilities and enhance service delivery in the western urban area.