World Bank Supports Tonkolili District with New Maternal Health Post

The Tonkolili District Council, with funding from the World Bank through the Accountable Governance Project Round 2, has officially handed over the sub-project site to the contractor for the reconstruction of the Maternal Health Post (MCHP) and its components at Masakong Town, located in the Masakong Chiefdom of Tonkolili District. This marks a significant milestone in improving healthcare services for the community, particularly for pregnant, lactating, and suckling mothers.

The ceremony was led by the Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, Madam Yabom Sesay, and the Chief Administrator, Edward Alpha. The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including chiefdom authorities of Masakong, council officials, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the media, and other community leaders.

Chief Administrator Edward Alpha formally introduced the contractor to the chiefdom authorities, emphasizing the importance of the MCHP project in saving lives. He highlighted that the new health post would be crucial for the well-being of mothers and children in the chiefdom. Alpha urged the community to take full ownership of the project and to report any irregularities or issues to the relevant authorities. He further called on the community to refrain from purchasing construction materials independently, ensuring transparency and accountability in the project’s execution.

Regent Chief Pa Robert Abdul Content expressed his gratitude for the project, noting that the people of Masakong had long struggled to have a health facility in their community. He thanked the government of Sierra Leone, the Tonkolili District Council, and the World Bank for prioritizing their needs and ensuring that Masakong would receive a facility to improve maternal and child healthcare. Chief Content reaffirmed the community’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project.

Area Councillor Isaac Conteh also echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the significance of the health post for the community.

Mahawa Agatha Kamara, the Chairperson of Civil Society Organizations in Tonkolili District, emphasized the role of CSOs in monitoring the project’s progress and ensuring its success. She called on the community to channel their concerns about any wrongdoings or issues related to the contractor to the appropriate authorities. Kamara stressed that CSOs would work to safeguard the interests of the community, ensuring that the project benefits all.

In line with this, Salfu Conteh, the Environmental and Social Officer, introduced the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) team, which will handle complaints and resolve issues related to the project.

Council Engineer Abdul Aziz Sesay outlined the scope of work for the MCHP, which will include a two-apartment, two-room, self-contained staff quarters, an incinerator, toilets, water facilities, a concrete tower, laundry facilities, solar electricity, and more. These facilities are designed to meet the needs of both healthcare workers and the community, ensuring a sustainable and effective healthcare delivery system.

In her keynote address, Chairperson Madam Yabom Sesay spoke about the crucial role of women and youth in ensuring the successful completion of the project. She emphasized that good work would lead to further opportunities, with a special reward package for both the contractor and the council from the World Bank if the project is executed excellently.

Sesay also highlighted that over 30 villages in the region would directly benefit from the new MCHP facility. She assured the community that upon completion, the council would ensure the provision of qualified health workers and necessary medications to ensure the facility’s effective operation.

Madam Yabom Sesay called for unity, urging all community members to put aside political differences and embrace the development of the region. She emphasized that the project was for the betterment of the entire community, including future generations, and encouraged everyone to support the initiative for the common good of Gbonkolenken Masakong and beyond.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic turning of the sod by Chairperson Madam Yabom Sesay, accompanied by Chief Administrator Edward Alpha. The occasion was marked by traditional songs and dances, celebrating the commencement of the project and the spirit of community collaboration.