Minister of Health Visits Buea Referral Hospital

By Boris Esono in Buea

MINSANTE boss on an inspection visit to the construction site

The Minister of Health Andre Mama Fouda has said that the Buea University Teaching Hospital will be delivered this year with new academic programs added to the school’s curriculum. He made the remark in Buea last Monday, 5 February, during an inspection visit to the construction site.

                According to authorities of the construction company, les Batisseurs Reunis, the level of construction work at the ultramodern hospital stands at 5.5%. 

                Speaking during the inspection visit, Minister Andre Mama Fouda indicated that the hospital under construction is highly awaited by the population of the entire SW region as well as the health community. He said the hospital will also be used during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

                Mama Fouda called on the authorities in charge of the project to constantly mobilize their team to ensure that they always give their best.

                “You have to keep a calendar of activities to know who comes to work and who doesn’t…. The decision to split the workers into two teams is very appreciable but work should go on 7 days a week to meet the deadline,” the minister recommended, reminding the builders of the rainy season which may stall works once it sets in.

                For his part, the contractor evoked challenges that are hampering the work including frequent power outages and inadequate water supply.

                In response, Minister Mama Fouda urged the contractors to construct bore holes around the area to ease water shortages.  

Speaking to the press, Minister Mama Fouda indicated that the sum of 15 billion FCFA has been made available for the construction of the hospital. He however encouraged the contractor to follow the new chronogram that has been made available.

                He encouraged any persons who are willing to work to come and join the team as the contractors are presently in need of workers.

                 After the inspection visit, Minister Andre Mama Fouda said he was satisfied with the pace at which work is progressing.

The hospital is among the five hospitals under construction in different regions of the country including Bamenda, Baffoussam, Garoua and Yaoundé.