Confusion erupts over proposed hospital in Bong

There is a reported misunderstanding between residents of David Dean Town and Saywen Town in Kokoyah, Bong County over where a mining company MNG –Gold should construct a hospital intended to serve the two towns.

Our Bong County correspondent says the company had earlier instructed residents in David Dean and Saywen Towns to decide on the location of the proposed hospital following a recent meeting with inhabitants of the two towns.

But the situation has since raised high controversy in the region because both towns are said to be demanding that they want the company to construct the hospital in their areas.

The construction of the hospital is said to be a part of MNG – Gold’s responsibilities to ensure the wellbeing of residents and to reduce the long distances they have to travel to seek medication.

Our correspondent says the construction of the hospital is supposed to be in progress by now, but the project is yet to get started due to the misunderstanding between residents of the two towns.

David Dean Town population is said to double the population of Saywen Town, and the distance from David Dean Town is about four kilometers.

Sawyen Town which is estimated to have lesser population is situated between MNG – Gold operational site and David Dean Town. Speaking to our Bong County Correspondent Wednesday in the District, some residents of Saywen Town strongly stressed the need for the hospital to be constructed in their town on grounds that all of the necessary developments are allegedly visible in David Dean Town.

According to them, David Dean Town has benefited lot of things from the mining company and it is now their time to benefit. They name the police station, radio station (Voice of Kokoyah), town hall, and hand pump as some of the facilities David Dean Town residents are currently benefiting from.

Also speaking, a resident of David Dean Town Paul Gbayan said it is important to build the hospital in David Dean Town due to its population.

According to Mr. Gbayan, if the hospital is built in the town, residents of Saywen Town will also seek medication if the need comes forth.
When contacted, MNG – Gold Public Relations Officer Lloyd Nwayah said they are ready to start the project as soon as the citizens come up with one understanding. He said it is left to the people to decide.

By Joseph Titus Yekeryan in Bong–Edited by Winston W. Parley