The construction of a new hospital to the old C H Rennie Hospital in Kakata City of Margibi County in the Republic of Liberia has commenced.

This was announced by Liberia’s Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs on 4 September.

The start of construction was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony, which saw the attendance of Liberian President Dr George Manneh Weah.

The old hospital, which is said to be the only government referral hospital in Margibi County, was damaged in a fire in 2021.

According to an old report by the Liberia News Agency, the incident, which was caused by fluctuation of electrical power, resulted in 'substantial' damage to the building.

Liberia’s Health Minister Dr Wilhelmina Jallah, at the time of the mishap in 2021, stated that the fire incident at C H Hospital would lead to a 'serious setback' for the health industry in the county.

A new 150-bed facility will now be built within the old hospital compound.

The development of this facility is part of the president’s commitment, after the fire disaster, to set up a larger structure.

In addition, the president, who also serves as Standard Bearer of the Coalition for Democratic Change, dedicated the newly built gouging units, developed by his administration, to the hospital staff for their use.