By Paul Lamin in Kenema
The Ahmadiyya Mission in Kenema, eastern Sierra Leone, has, on the 7th May 2018, turned the sod for the construction of a magnificent hospital complex on an eight (8) acre land situated at Blama Road, Kenema.
Speaking to this medium, shortly after the laying ceremony, Maulvi Muneer Hussain said it was not an easy task for the Ahmadiyya Mission to gain complete ownership of the said land. He said that the land, where they are constructing the hospital and a secondary school for girls, has been a disputed land between the Ministry of Agriculture and their Mission for over sixty years (60) since 1969.
He furthered that it was in 2016 that the land was officially handed over to them by the then APC government for which, he noted, they are very grateful.
He noted that the Ahmadiyya Mission, all over the world, is working assiduously to promote the Islamic religion, education and many other humanitarian works including health. The missionary said they have built schools, mosques and hospitals across the country in Bo, Freetown, Kenema, Boajibu, Dama, Serabu, Small-Bo Chiefdom and many other places.
Although the Missionary did not disclose the cost of the project, but it is believed to be running into millions of Leones that, according to him, will complement other government health facilities in the district.
The medical facility will host 25 beds each for the male and female wards, emergency ward, the laboratory, the theatre and other private rooms for VIPs and other classes of people where, he noted, good medical facilities will be provided for patients.
Maulvi Muneer Hussein said the hospital will be completed in one year because the funds are purely provided by the Mission and care must be taken to make sure the correct work is done.
The Principal of the Nassir Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School in Kenema, Bockarie Sandi Massaquoi, said the construction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim hospital in Kenema is in line with the vision and motto of the Ahmadiyya Mission which says ‘Love for all and Hatred for None’.
Mr. Massaquoi stated that the health of the people in any community must be the priority of well meaning religious bodies and the Ahmadiyya Mission is doing just that as a way of fulfilling their religious and social obligation to the people.
The Senior Secondary School Principal said a lot of help have been made to communities through the Missions’ Khalifatus. He assured the people of Kenema that more help is underway for the people especially students who will soon benefit from learning materials as in previous times.
The contractor for the building, Vandi Koroma of the Guara Construction Enterprise along Dama Road in Kenema, assured the Mission and the community people of the speedy completion of the project. He said his company has worked for many organizations and has always worked within the scope of time stipulated in the contract document.
Other speakers at the foundation laying ceremony were the District Medical Officer, Dr Mohamed Vandy, the District Council Chairman-elect, Mohamed O’Level Sesay, and many other dignitaries including landowning families, among others, performed the foundation laying ceremony.
The move is seen by many as a way of complementing government’s effort in promoting quality health services for the people of Kenema.