Tamale St. Lucy Catholic Hospital To Get 40-bed Maternity Block

 

The project seeks to double the capacity of the existing maternity block from 40-bed to 80-bed to address the infrastructure challenges of the facility in the area of maternal and child health care.

The contractor Othniel Limited, who is also the financier of the project, is expected to mobilise to site and begin work in two weeks, and complete the project in 12 months.

 

Under the terms of the contract, the contractor/financier is to be reimbursed the contract sum of the project ten years after it is completed and put to use.

 

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, Mr. Felix Gandaa, the Consultant, promised to ensure that work is executed according to specification.

 

He, however, cautioned against actions such as giving instructions the constructor on site that could lead to cost overruns. He, therefore, appealed to stakeholders to channel any concerns through him for redress.

 

The contract for the project had earlier been signed at the conference hall of the Catholic secretariat in Tamale by the parties to the contract, namely, Tamale Archdiocesan Development Organisation (TADO) and Othniel Limited.

 

The ceremony took place in the presence of board members and management of the hospital, representatives of the Chief of Kpalsi, the Assembly Member of the area, the Consultant, and members of the Finance and Estate and Building Committees of the Archdiocese.

 

In a welcome address, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Zaato, the Coordinator of TADO, said the presence of stakeholders is not only an honour to his organisation, but represent a share in their sacred mission to serve life, to protect motherhood, and to care for the most vulnerable.

 

He disclosed that the journey to build a modern, decent maternity block for the hospital began long ago. However, he lamented that several attempts to secure grants or even loans at reasonable interest rates proved difficult until Othniel Limited agreed to take up the responsibility after long and difficult negotiations.

 

Commenting on the occasion, Fr. Zaato said it represents a milestone that embodies TADO’s commitment to faith, compassion, and excellence in healthcare.

 

Underscoring the importance of the project, he said, “This project is not merely about bricks and mortar; it is about building a sanctuary where mothers will be cared for with dignity, where children will be welcomed into the world safely, and where families will find support in moments of vulnerability, and indeed where health care in general to the populace will be delivered with a touch of humanness”, he declared.

 

He said the maternity block has its roots in the healing ministry of Christ, expressing optimism that it will stand as a beacon of love and service.

 

“It will remind us that every mother and child is a precious gift from God, deserving of the highest quality care and the deepest compassion”, he added.

 

Fr. Zaato paid tribute to the hard-working staff of the hospital, but reminded them of their obligations towards fulfilling the terms of the contract.

 

“After this, the ball would be in your court to ensure that we repay this loan in the next ten years. That is a daunting task, but not insurmountable”, he said.

 

He added, “We have had a few discussions in our quest to carry you along this whole process, so you understand what the task is and how we intend to get there”.

 

He, therefore, charged them to work hard to avoid a default on the agreement, cautioning that the consequences would be dire if this happens. Also, he said such a situation would bring disgrace unto the Archbishop Most Rev. Philip Naameh, and the Archdiocese.

 

Other speeches delivered by the Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Hilary Pogbeyir on behalf of the Archbishop and by Sir Cosmas Alhassan, Chairman of the hospital’s board who also chaired the signing ceremony, also urged the management and staff of the hospital to work diligently.

 

The Administrator of the hospital Madam Cynthia Lamisi Anaba in a speech, also emphasised the importance of the project to the hospital.

 

“The construction of a maternity block represents hope – hope for safer deliveries, improved maternal and newborn outcomes, and dignity for every woman and child who walks through their doors, she stated.

 

She added, “The sod cutting not only symbolises the beginning of construction, but the beginning of a new chapter in our service deliver – one that prioritises quality, accessibility and compassionate care”.

 

Collaboration among stakeholders was stressed as key to ensuring the successful completion of the project. A representative of the Chief of Kpalsi pledged their support in this regard.

Mr. Jude Robert Kwapong, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Othniel Limited, promised to complete and hand over the project on schedule.