The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, popularly known as King Zuba, has cut the sod for the construction of a fully fledged Pediatric Centre in the Kumasi Metropolis, describing the project as a major step toward improving child healthcare delivery in the city.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, the Mayor said the facility, when completed, will operate on a 24-hour basis and provide specialised pediatric services to children in Kumasi and surrounding communities.
He disclosed that the centre will be staffed by officers, a person in charge, and two assistants to ensure continuous service delivery.
The Kumasi Mayor emphasised the importance of quality workmanship, cautioning the contractor against cutting corners.
He stressed that the project, which has a six-month completion period, must be executed with care because it is intended to serve children.
“This construction is going to take care of children, so it must be given proper attention. No shoddy work and no shortcuts,” the Mayor said.
He assured stakeholders that funding for the project has already been secured, adding that all amounts captured in the contract documents are available.
According to him, payments will not be delayed, even if the contractor completes the work ahead of schedule. “The money is here. We are not going to look for funds later. If the contractor finishes in three months, we will still be able to pay,” he stated.
The Mayor further revealed that the pediatric centre is part of a broader redevelopment plan, noting that additional renovations and fencing works may follow upon successful completion of the project.
He indicated that satisfactory performance could lead to further contracts from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), while poor workmanship would end the contractor’s engagement with the Assembly.
Outlining the scope of the facility, Mr. Agyeman Boadi said the centre will include consulting rooms, maternity and lying-in rooms, wards for short-term admission of children, and other essential pediatric services.
He added that the project is being undertaken in partnership with Investing in Phoenix, a U.S.-based organization, which is expected to supply additional laboratory equipment after construction is completed.
“When this facility is completed, Kumasi will have a fully fledged pediatric centre,” he said.
The contract for the project has been awarded to Vimole Limited, with Aladji Abbas as the contractor. Mr. Abbas, who expressed appreciation to the Mayor and the KMA for the opportunity, pledged to deliver quality work within the stipulated time.
Also speaking at the event, an engineer with the company said the firm intends to complete the project within four months, earlier than the six-month contractual period.
He attributed the accelerated timeline to the availability of funds and a 15 percent mobilization payment, which he said would speed up construction.
The Assistant Managing Director of Vimole Limited, Mr. Bedama, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting specifications and delivering the project on schedule.
The Kumasi Pediatric Centre is expected to significantly enhance access to specialized healthcare for children in the metropolis once completed.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
