MONROVIA–Spanning the administrations of former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah, Liberia’s state-of-the-art medical center, the New Redemption Hospital in Caldwell, remains at the center of public concerns as to why it is not yet completed.
Construction workes sped up during the Weah administration – completing about 80% of the construction work.
However, concerned about the delayed completion of the medical complex, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has added his voice to the delays, calling for the expedited completion and opening of the Hospital.
Minister Ngafuan spoke during a tour of the facility attended by officials of the Ministries of Finance and Health, project managers, consultants, and contractors.
The hospital project, which was initiated in 2016 as part of Liberia’s post-Ebola recovery efforts, is intended to strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system, particularly maternal and newborn services.
Minister Ngafuan said the purpose of the visit was not to assign blame for delays but to identify and address outstanding challenges that could prevent the project from being completed within the targeted timeframe.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s commitment to supporting key sectors of the government, particularly those under the ARREST Agenda.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the World Bank’s continued interest in the project, noting that World Bank Vice President Ousmane Diagana has maintained an interest in the hospital since its inception. Diagana is expected to visit Liberia in September to engage stakeholders on the project’s progress.
Minister Ngafuan urged the project team to transparently address the remaining challenges and ensure that established deadlines are met.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto disclosed that construction of the hospital is approximately 92 percent complete. She said remaining works include testing and commissioning mechanical and electrical systems, installing steel doors, completing final finishes and cleaning, as well as improving pedestrian access.
According to Dr. Kpoto, civil works are expected to be completed by November 30, 2026, while full contract clearance is targeted for December 31, 2026.
She further disclosed that contracts for the hospital’s general equipment have been secured, with the Ministry of Health already making a 20 percent advance payment.
However, Dr. Kpoto cautioned that completing the construction alone will not immediately allow the hospital to open. She said the facility will also require the installation of medical equipment, recruitment and deployment of staff, training, development of operational guidelines, and public awareness activities.
Consultants have recommended a phased opening of the facility to allow for the systematic transfer of services from the old Redemption Hospital to the new facility while ensuring continuity of care for patients.
In addition, an assessment conducted in July by the New Redemption Hospital project managers showed that the access road to the facility is 52 percent complete.
Once completed and operational, the New Redemption Hospital is expected to improve healthcare delivery in the area, with particular emphasis on maternal and newborn care.
Health authorities said recruitment for the project is currently ongoing as preparations continue toward the eventual opening of the facility.
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