Weija Pediatric Hospital Construction Halted Amid World Bank Contract Dispute
The future of the 120-bed Weija Pediatric Hospital in the Greater Accra Region hangs in the balance as funding challenges threaten to halt the project indefinitely. Investigations reveal the World Bank, the project’s financier, has allegedly cancelled the construction contract.
Work on the hospital, which began under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, had been progressing well until the reported contract abrogation brought construction to a standstill. This has sparked concern among residents and government officials alike.
Sources indicate the cancellation stems from issues including alleged price inconsistencies, a lack of approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), and the absence of a value for money audit. However, concerned residents dispute these claims, stating they remain unproven.
“We are calling on the World Bank to be transparent and provide detailed reasons for their decision, especially considering approximately $14 million has already been invested,” a local activist stated.
Joseph Adams, contractor with Awerco Construction Limited, confirmed the project is currently 65% complete. He expressed worry about the sudden halt, stating, “We were on track to finish this year, but now everything is uncertain.”
The hospital was designed to significantly improve healthcare access for children in the region, boasting facilities such as an emergency unit, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, recovery wards, three theatres, VIP wards, imaging and biomedical laboratories, an outpatient department (OPD), and a dedicated mother’s hotel.
The abrupt cancellation casts doubt on whether the facility will be completed and operational this year, potentially depriving the community of a crucial healthcare resource.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
