Work on the Agenda 111 District Hospital project at Kpassa in the Nkwanta-North District, Oti Region, has fallen behind schedule, missing the January 2024 completion deadline.
The project, which began in August 2022 and was initially reported to be 30.8% complete in September 2023, is currently at about 65% completion.
The hospital, designed to have a 60-bed capacity, aims to serve over 120,000 residents in the district and surrounding areas.
Despite assurances from the former Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, and the Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, that funding had been secured for the project to be completed on time, the current progress indicates a significant delay.
Workers from the lead contractor, Venus Infrastructure, were observed on site, focusing on various aspects of the project such as roofing, plastering, plumbing, and electrical works. However, the surgical block and residential blocks were yet to be roofed, and the generator yard was still under construction.
The Resident Consultant of the project, Wonder Dzamade, mentioned that if all three contractors were on site, it would be possible to complete the project within a reasonable timeframe.
However, he did not specify the exact reasons for the delay, citing common issues such as delayed release of funds, non-availability of materials, and technical challenges as possible causes.
In response to the situation, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Nkwanta-North, William Kidignan Nawugma, emphasized the importance of providing the necessary resources for the completion of the project.
Residents of Kpassa expressed their desire for the swift completion of the hospital, highlighting the potential improvement in healthcare accessibility and quality of life for the community once the hospital becomes operational.