Authorities of the Ministry of Health (MOH) have assured its workers of the construction of 100 housing units for their occupancy under a mortgage plan in eight of the 15 counties.

The counties and their projected units are Maryland, 15; Grand Kru 15; River Gee 15; Grand Gedeh 15; Sinoe, 15; Rivercess, 10; Gbarpolu 10, and Montserrado, 5.

The news came amid the falling motivation of health workers due to their relatively low salaries as the government tackles the challenges in building a resilient health system.

Health Minister Dr. Bernice Dahn made the announcement on Wednesday during a two-day Health Review Meeting with implementing partners at the Paynesville Town Hall.

Dr. Dahn's pledge of the construction of the housing units for health workers was subsequently buttressed by Assistant Health Minister Chea Wesseh's Powerpoint presentation on the second pillar of nine strategic and high priority areas. Those areas have been earmarked to rapidly restore the essential health services and to urgently repair the health system.

The cost of the 100 housing units is US$500,000, which the MOH on Tuesday provided following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry and the National Housing Authority (NHA).

According to the MOU, each of the housing units will cost US$5,000 and will be assigned to "dedicated health workers."

"In line with the MOU, MOH is making a non-refundable down payment of US$5,000 for each of the 100 dedicated staff totaling US$500,000" said Deputy Health Minister Edward Tolbert.

According to the MOU, the beneficiaries will complete payment for the units through a mortgage loan agreement the Ministry has signed with the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), with the MOH serving as guarantor.

"The Ministry will ensure that each of the benefiting employees receives his/her salary through the LBDI, making it possible for the Ministry to ensure that payment on the mortgage does not exceed US$15.00 per month for each employee," the MOU stated.

The focal person for the 100 housing units, Madam Louise Mapleh, told the Daily Observer that all the necessary legal documentations that would lead to the groundbreaking ceremony for the project are nearing completion.
 

Posted on : 02 Nov,2015