By Stephen N. Tokpah
(freelancer)
Bong County Senator Johnny K. Kpehe has broken ground for the construction of an ambulance hub in Gbarnga, Bong County.
Senator Kpehe said the hub is in fulfillment of a promise he made during the 2023 general elections to the people of Bong County that he was going to construct an ambulance hub if he ascended to the Liberian Senate.
The Bong County Senator said the ambulance hub would be used to augment the efforts of the Bong County Health Team when they have critically ill patients and pregnant women to transfer the various health centers in the county.
He placed the estimated cost of the project at US$ 100,000.
Remarking at the ceremony, A. Dakemue Kollie described the ambulance hub ground-breaking as a new day in the healthcare delivery system in Bong County.
Kollie, who proxy for the Bong County Health Team Officer, Dr. Jefferson Sibley said ambulance service is very important to the healthcare delivery of Liberia.
“Statistics from the Ministry of Health have shown that Bong, Nimba, and Lofa Counties have the highest rate of maternal death, and these deaths are caused by delays in ambulance service,” Mr. Kollie added.
He said when the project is completed, it will help in reducing the pressure on the County Health Team when it comes to ambulance service.
In an order development, the Bong County Senator presented 15 used vehicles (taxis) to the leadership of the United Congress Drivers Transport Union of Liberia as a means of empowerment.
The Bong County Senator said the donated vehicles aimed at improving the livelihoods of commercial drivers in the region and providing them with the necessary tools to enhance their businesses.
Senator Kpehe emphasized the importance of supporting commercial drivers, who play a vital role in the transportation sector of the county.
He urged the drivers to make good use of the vehicles and to operate them responsibly.
The presentation of the vehicles marks the first phase of the empowerment scheme fully sponsored by Sen. Kpehe, which is expected to empower fifteen drivers.
He placed the estimated cost of the 15 vehicles as US$65,000.
However, the President of the United Congress Drivers Transport Union of Liberia, Youjah K. Joine, expressed gratitude to Senator Kpehe for his generous donation, stating that it will greatly benefit the members of the union and help to improve their standard of living.
“The vehicles donated by Senator Kpehe will provide commercial drivers with the opportunity to expand their businesses and increase their income, ultimately contributing to the economic development of Bong County,” the United Congress Drivers Transport Union of Liberia president added.
