-In Margibi and Bomi Counties
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson
Liberian leader, President Joseph N. Boakai over the weekend embarked on the dedication of the newly established health center in Armbush Curve, Lower Margibi identified as “Ma Juah Health Center” and “Special Water Initiative” in Bomi County.
Speaking Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the dedication of the health facility which is worth over US$2 million and owned by a private Liberian based in the United States of America, President Boakai encouraged Liberians to embrace themselves to start doing positive things that will benefit the country; stating, as a result of the global situation, countries are now trying to develop themselves.
He stated that the vision bearer of the facility has done what the government should have done.
He further asserted that it is unusual to see such a building (hospital) established by an individual for the benefit of the citizens; stating that at first, people only steal money for self-benefit.
According to Boakai, he admires citizens or people who see good things in other countries and bring them to Liberia for development.
The Liberian leader applauded the vision bearer of the hospital for his effort to build such a hospital; stating that it would not only benefit community dwellers but the country at large.
At the same time, the President has mandated the Ministry of Public Works to fix the road that leads to the health facility to give citizens or patients free and quick access to the hospital.
He assured citizens of proper and timely medication whenever they visited the Ma Juah hospital for medication.
For his part, the vision bearer and founder of the health facility, Ambassador Charles Sleyon said the hospital was established in honor of his grandmother, Ma Juah Koffa.
According to him, the mission of the institution is to provide quality, affordable, and accessible health care to the people of Liberia, especially the underserved.
“However, as we strive to fulfill this mission, Mr. President, we have faced many challenges that require the urgent intervention of the government and the international community,” he noted.
Amb. Sleyon disclosed that some Liberians lose their lives due to the high cost of medical treatment, leading to mortality rates, particularly among women and children.
“At this hospital, L$2,000 can get a child-free lab and free medication which reflects our commitment to ensuring that no Liberian is denied health care due to financial hardship,” he explained. Naming challenges faced by the institution, the vision bearer and founder of Ma Juah Health Center identified, road infrastructure, insurance, and timely access to medical services, and current challenges to run the facility efficiently.
The Liberian leader further dedicated the “Special Water Initiative” in Bomi County, averting that after 177 years, it is unacceptable to see Liberians live such a life; adding, that it is time to move on to help the people of Bomi and Liberia at large.
According to him, water is life, as such, he will ensure that the Special Presidential Water Initiative project will be established in other counties.
“Bomi and other Counties in Liberia are backward, but my government will work to change it for the better,” Boakai noted.
The Liberian leader narrated that Liberians deserve better, saying his government will endeavor to bring development to the counties.
He called on Liberians to challenge themselves and join forces together to help build Liberia.
President Boakai added that there is no reason for Liberians to suffer when they have everything they need to live a better life; adding, that they lack determination and work to make the difference.
For his part, Daniel N. Kolubah, Presidential Envoy for Trade, Investments and Economic Development said that the project is worth over US$25,000 which lasted for two weeks.
According to him, the project is not a governmental project, but a friend of the president who made the funding available; adding that the project should have been completed before the President’s annual address to the nation (SONA).
Kolubah disclosed that as project coordinator, there are plans to negotiate with friends to ensure that forty of the water units are erected in other counties.
