By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara (The Wise Thinker)
The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a major step toward strengthening the country’s healthcare system after signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at completing three major government hospitals and a modern oxygen production facility.
The agreement, signed through the Ministries of Finance and Health in partnership with IDEAS Limited and four local construction companies, seeks to revive critical health infrastructure projects that had stalled following the closure of funding support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
The projects covered under the new arrangement include the Lumley Government Hospital, Macauley Street Government Hospital, Waterloo Government Hospital, and the Oxygen Production Facility located in Kerry Town. Authorities say the completion of these facilities will significantly improve access to specialized healthcare services, especially within the rapidly growing Western Area.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held on Friday, 15 May 2026, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie disclosed that government had no choice but to seek alternative financing after the original funding source was discontinued. He explained that direct negotiations were held with consultants and contractors to assess the remaining workload and determine the exact financial requirements needed to complete both the original structures and additional approved works.
According to Dingie, the agreement demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that important national projects are not abandoned despite financial setbacks. He added that completing the facilities will help address increasing healthcare demands across the country.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, described the projects as timely and necessary, stressing that the increasing population in the Western Area continues to place pressure on existing health facilities. He revealed that his ministry has already started preparations to deploy medical personnel, equipment, and essential supplies so that the hospitals can become fully operational immediately after completion.
Dr. Demby further emphasized that the oxygen production facility in Kerry Town will play a vital role in strengthening emergency and critical care services nationwide. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the urgent need for reliable oxygen supply systems in Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector.
Finance Minister Dr. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura stated that most of the construction work has already reached between 80 and 90 percent completion, making the remaining phase achievable within the agreed timelines. He urged contractors to deliver quality work and strictly adhere to the implementation schedule outlined in the MOU.
The Finance Minister also assured stakeholders that his ministry would ensure timely disbursement of funds to avoid further delays. He stressed that government remains determined to complete the projects because of their direct impact on public health service delivery.
The total amount allocated for the completion of the projects stands at $4,323,593.63. The construction companies engaged for the final phase include Cubic Construction Company Limited, Fajaha International Construction, Hariss Construction, and Nimo Construction and Trading Enterprises.
Many Sierra Leoneans view the revival of the projects as a positive development for the country’s healthcare sector, particularly at a time when demand for improved medical infrastructure continues to rise.