KAKATA, Margibi – Margibi Senator Oscar Cooper has donated a van to the C.H. Rennie Hospital in Kakata. The donation was made during a ceremony at the hospital compound on Wednesday.

Making the official presentation of the van, Cooper said that the donation was a gift from his office and the Friends of Oscar Cooper, a political group that headed his election campaign in 2011.

He said the vehicle was intended to aid the transportation of nurses and workers and ease the difficulties they encounter during the commute to work and back home.

Cooper said for too long employees of the only government referral medical facility in the county have encountered difficulties with transportation. In many instances, he said workers have complained about the challenges they face in getting to work on time and going back home with ease.

The van was initially purchased a year ago at a cost of over US$45,000 as Cooper’s constituency vehicle during the legislative break. While other lawmakers may have chosen to buy luxurious cars for personal use, he said that he decided to get a van that would be used to transport local leaders during his visitations in communities across the county.

However, he said, now that the constituency break is over, there is a need for a vehicle to transport employees at C.H. Rennie, and he feels the need to help.

The Margibi lawmaker further told journalists that he is currently working with the hospital’s administration to construct a twenty-two room wing. The extension will host at least one hundred and sixty more patients at the hospital.

“These initiatives are part of the 20% of our benefits we promised our people, and all our undertakings will be visible, and we will be accountable to the citizens,” he said, referring to his recent pledge to give up 20% of his salary and benefits.

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical officer of C.H. Rennie, Dr. Kumblytee Johnson has praised the senator for the van and pending construction of the additional annexes. Johnson said she was pleased with the kindness from the senator calling it “a dream come true.”

Margibi County Health Officer, Dr. Adolphus Yeiah, assured Cooper of proper maintenance of the van. He said the county health team was proud of the donation. He praised employees of the hospital for their commitment to work despite the absence of a vehicle to transport them in the past.

Meanwhile, Margibi County Superintendent, John Buway, hailed the Senator for his good will to the people of Margibi. He said the performance of Cooper at the Liberian Senate had set him apart as a national personality.

Featured photos by Gbatemah Senah