The Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC) has begun work on two major projects aimed at improving health and education services in the district under a World Bank-funded programme.
The projects are the construction of the Regent/Hill Station Community Health Centre and the rehabilitation of Maria Primary School in Grafton Polio Community.
At the health centre site, District Medical Officer Dr Masuba said health officials were working closely with the council to deliver the project.
“We work with the district council. We work in concert,” he said, adding that the community had been informed about the plans.
He said the new facility would improve conditions for patients and staff, who had been working in poor weather conditions.
Yayah Kamarakeh, assistant director of lands and regional director of lands east, speaking on behalf of Lands Minister Dr Turad Senesie, said the land for the health centre had been secured for public use.
He said the ministry had worked with the council to resolve ownership issues and ensure the site was properly documented.
According to him, the land had changed hands several times before being set aside for the project, but was made available free of charge for public development.
Peter Koroma, chief administrator of WARDC, said Maria Primary School was identified as a priority during consultations with community members under the same programme.
He said residents had raised concerns about the poor condition of the school, prompting the council to plan a full rehabilitation.
District Engineer Alhaji Sallu Konneh said both projects were designed around priorities identified by the communities.
He said the health centre would include a primary health unit, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, a solar-powered water system and an incinerator for medical waste, while the school rehabilitation would cover two expanded classrooms, a new roof, doors and windows, improved ventilation, paving, painting, electricity, veranda balusters, repairs to the school well, a submersible pump and renovated toilets.
“The plans captured what they needed for the communities. So when funds came, we responded to those priorities. The community should take ownership of the projects, monitor the work, but not interfere with or compromise the contractor,” he said.
He identified Integrated General Supplies and Construction Company as the contractor for the health centre and Platinum as the contractor for the school rehabilitation.
WARDC Chairman Kasho J. Holland Cole said both projects formed part of the council’s long-term development plan.
He said funding had been secured, with the contractor set to receive a 30% mobilisation payment before work begins. He said construction was expected to take six months from August.
He added that the council would provide extra support, including waste bins and additional WASH and solar facilities where needed, and said the school project would include new ceilings, windows, doors, paving and separate toilets for boys and girls.
He said the stores project is already ongoing, while plans are underway to build a market and youth centre for Grafton once land is made available.
He thanked Alusine Sesay for providing temporary accommodation so health services could continue during construction.
“This is not about politics. Let us work for the people. Development requires patience and collective responsibility,” he said.
The chairman urged residents to support and protect the projects, saying community ownership was essential.
The projects are part of WARDC’s wider effort to improve access to health, education and other basic services through community-led development supported by the World Bank.
