The Ministry of Health (MoH) has dismissed claims that the Weija Peadiatrics Hospital project has been cancelled.
According to the Ministry, construction and equipment installation are still underway and that the World Bank–funded project is nearing completion.
The MoH confirmed that the Weija Pediatric Hospital Project with Awerco Construction Ltd is ongoing, nearing completion for operation while engaging the contractor and World Bank in their respective roles
“The Ministry of Health has not cancelled the Weija Pediatric Hospital Project or its contract with Awerco Company Ltd and the facility is nearing completion with snagging and takeover preparations ongoing while the Ministry continues to engage the contractor and the World Bank in line with their role,” the ministry assured.
In a press release signed by the Head of the Health Training Institute and spokesperson of the MoH, Tony Goodman clarified that the contractors continue to work on the hospital project without government interference, while the World Bank’s role is limited to financing and not involved in the main contracts.
“Work on the project by Awerco Construction Ltd. is ongoing without interference from the Ministry, with the World Bank involved only in funding of the projects, not a party to either the Works or Equipment,” the press release clarified.
The MoH says the hospital project is being executed under a Design-and-Build contract covering both construction and installation of equipment.
“The Weija Paediatric Hospital Project is contracted by the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Ltd. on a Design-and-Build basis, and the contract includes supply and installation of medical equipment,” the Ministry stated.
The statement also indicated that the World Bank Post-Procurement Review (PPR) of a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner procured under the previous administration found the price significantly inflated, leading the Bank to withdraw part of its funding.
“The World Bank’s Post-Procurement Review of the CT scanner purchased by the previous government found prices three to 11 times higher than market value.
“ This has caused the World Bank to redraw $ 3.8 million US Dollars which was used to procure these equipment,” the Ministry noted.
The Ministry further cautioned media houses to verify sensitive information with official sources before publication to avoid misleading the public.
Source name: Ernest kelvin Okanta
