MONROVIA — Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called for the swift completion and official opening of the New Redemption Hospital in Caldwell, Montserrado County, urging project managers and contractors to resolve remaining bottlenecks as the facility nears the finish line.
Minister Ngafuan made the appeal during a recent joint inspection tour of the facility alongside officials from the Ministries of Finance and Health, project managers, and contractors. First initiated in 2016 as a central pillar of Liberia’s post-Ebola healthcare recovery strategy, the long-awaited hospital is designed to significantly expand access to high-quality healthcare, with a primary focus on maternal and newborn care.
Addressing stakeholders during the visit, Minister Ngafuan stressed that the objective of the tour was not to assign blame for past delays, but to foster collaboration and ensure the project crosses the finish line without further disruption. He reiterated the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s (MFDP) commitment to providing the necessary support across key government sectors, specifically highlighting those aligned with the administration’s ARREST agenda.
International partners also continue to track the project’s progress closely. Minister Ngafuan noted that World Bank Vice President Ousmane Diagana has maintained a personal commitment to overseeing the hospital’s development since its inception. Diagana is expected to visit Liberia in September to assess progress firsthand and discuss the operational timeline with government leadership.
To keep the project moving forward, Ngafuan urged the engineering and project management teams to remain transparent about any lingering hurdles so impending deadlines can be met effectively.
Providing an update on the construction status, Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto revealed that civil works on the facility are approximately 92 percent complete. According to Dr. Kpoto, outstanding tasks include final interior finishes, site cleaning, pedestrian access improvements, the installation of steel doors, and the critical testing and commissioning of mechanical and electrical systems.
Health authorities are targeting November 30 for the completion of all civil works, with full contract clearance anticipated by December 31, 2026.
Beyond the physical structure, Dr. Kpoto reported that procurement contracts for the hospital’s general equipment have already been secured, backed by a 20 percent advance payment from the Ministry of Health. However, she cautioned that the facility’s formal opening will hinge on several operational prerequisites, including the full installation of specialized medical equipment, staff recruitment and training, the formulation of operational guidelines, and public awareness campaigns. Active recruitment for the new facility is already underway.
To ensure a smooth transition without interrupting patient care, project consultants have recommended a phased opening strategy. This approach will allow services to transfer systematically from the historic Redemption Hospital to the new Caldwell site, minimizing confusion and maintaining continuity of service for the public.
Infrastructure surrounding the site remains an ongoing priority. A July assessment conducted by project managers indicated that the main access road leading to the hospital is currently 52 percent complete, with efforts ongoing to ensure smooth access before the facility opens its doors.
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