APNU Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan is calling on the Ministry of Health to explain why the newly commissioned $140.8 million health simulation centre in Mahdia, Region Eight, remains without electricity.
Duncan made the claim following a recent visit to Mahdia where he said he joined APNU municipal councillors Daniel Fraser and Rapha “Blue” Corbin, along with other members of the team, to examine the facility.
According to the Department of Public Information, the facility cost taxpayers $140.8 million and was intended to strengthen health sciences education by providing practical training for nurses and other healthcare workers.
However, Duncan said that since the commissioning ceremony, there has been no visible activity at the centre.
He said that during the site visit, the team observed that the building had no electricity.
“This raises an obvious question: how can a modern health simulation centre operate without the power required for its equipment, lighting and training activities?” Duncan said.
Duncan said the situation reflects what he described as a troubling pattern in which buildings are commissioned before they are ready to serve the public.
“This reflects a troubling pattern in which buildings are commissioned, ministers deliver speeches and photographs are circulated before facilities are ready to serve the public. A commissioning ceremony should mark the beginning of public service, not the end of the government’s responsibility for a project.”
The APNU MP said the Ministry of Health must provide answers on the status of the facility.
“The Ministry of Health must explain why the centre was commissioned without electricity, when power will be connected, what equipment has been installed and when training will begin. The public must also be told who will manage the facility and how many nursing students and other healthcare workers are expected to benefit.”
Duncan said that while his party supports such initiatives, they must be completed and ready to serve upon commissioning.
“APNU supports investments that strengthen healthcare and expand opportunities in the hinterland. However, a $140.8 million building standing inactive and without electricity cannot be considered a completed health-training facility. The people of Region Eight deserve a fully operational simulation centre, not merely a commissioned building.”
