By Nfamara Jawneh
Wassadou Health Post in the Foni Jarrol District of West Coast Region, last Wednesday received a boost from its donors in the form of perimeter fence.
The work on the fence completed with the fixing of a gate and erecting of a sign board for the heath facility last week.
The main donor of the health post, Father Ahmed Flaming of Ireland and team visited the community to see ongoing work at the centre.
Speaking at the site, Father Flaming said the wires for the fence were donated by Lenihans and Leonards, renowned Irish companies while the sign board was designed in Kinneoad, Ireland.
During the visit, he also donated a radio cassette player to Wassadou Basic Cycle School for recording of traditional Jola and Mandinka songs by students.
He hoped that songs to be produce by the students will be shared with the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS).
Father Flaming also thanked Whels for Africa a charity based in the Netherlands for donating the health post with a motorcycle to ease movement of health volunteers working there.
He hailed the volunteers both from within the community and beyond for the tremendous work they have done at the facility during the past few days which included erecting of the fence, clearing of the facility and planting of trees around it.
“What amazed me more is the sense of ownership manifested by the community members as you can see them actively participating in various works at the heath post,” remarked Father.
Alkalo of Wassadou Faye Sanyang thanked Father Flaming for the health facility and the new fence.
According to him, the fence would secure the facility and makes its looks even more good-looking.
“Before the opening of the health post we travel to neighbouring villages of Kampasa, Sintet and even Bwiam in worse case scenarios, but now the burden has significantly reduced especially for pregnant women,” he said.
He appealed to the government and other philanthropists to help the health post with a permanent nurse and an ambulance for referrals.
For her part, traditional birth attendant in the community Mrs Munyia Manneh said the health post was a great relief for them.
“After delivery women have space to rest here before going home, it’s a great initiative to have such facility in the village,” she said.
Mr Ansumana Bajinka vice principal of Wassadou Basic Cycle School applauded Father Flaming for the donation of a radio cassette player, batteries and cassettes to the school.
He promised that the gifts will be put into good use by the school thus promoting culture in the community.
He described Father as a true friend of the school dating back to many decades supporting them in various ways.
Bakary Touray a resident said the development was a dream come true for the community as they were not expecting it.
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