-Defense Ministry to Showcase US$16.5M Chinese-Funded Facility
MONROVIA — The Ministry of National Defense is set to showcase Liberia’s largest Reference Laboratory and Treatment Center, a US$16.5 million facility funded by a grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China and now 96 percent complete.
The project, located adjacent the 14 Military Hospital in Margibi County, is being implemented by Shandong Hi-Speed Dejain Group Company Ltd. According to a company spokesperson, the remaining four percent primarily involves equipment installation.
A high-level joint delegation inspected the site over the weekend, led by Deputy Minister for Operations Hon. Spencer G. N. Lecco and comprising Assistant Minister for Civil Works Hon. Kesselly K. Zinnah and Assistant Minister for Public Affairs Hon. Oscar F. Mulbah, all of the Ministry of National Defense.
They were joined by Hon. Sarah Mulbah, Assistant Minister for Budget at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning; Hon. H. Urias Harrington, III, Advisor, representing the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs; and a Chinese Embassy delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Fan Erwei.
Speaking during the visit, Deputy Minister Lecco expressed profound gratitude to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China for supporting the construction of what he described as a significant healthcare facility. He said the center will help meet the health needs of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia, their dependents, the people of Liberia, and the wider subregion.
Lecco praised the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, under whose stewardship the initiative is taking place, commending what he called the President’s farsightedness and commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of AFL personnel and the Liberian people. He said the Commander-in-Chief will be invited to dedicate the project once it is fully completed.
President Boakai broke ground for the commencement of construction on December 20, 2024, adjacent the 14 Military Hospital.
The Reference Laboratory and Treatment Center is being described as a major milestone for Liberia’s healthcare sector and a testament to the growing partnership between Liberia and the People’s Republic of China.
