By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in rural Sierra Leone, Orange Sierra Leone officially turned the sod for the construction of a fully-funded health centre in Wai Village, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone.
The symbolic turning of the sod ceremony was held on Wednesday, 16th April 2025, and brought together government officials, local authorities, development partners, and community stakeholders. The project, spearheaded and financed entirely by Orange Sierra Leone, aims to improve access to quality healthcare services for residents of the chiefdom and surrounding communities.
In his welcome address on behalf of the Paramount Chief of the chiefdom, Augustine Jah Zoker, Chiefdom Speaker, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, described the initiative as a life-changing investment for the people of Wai and neighboring villages, all of which have long struggled with access to basic healthcare services.
“This health centre will not only serve the residents of Wai Village, but also support surrounding communities in the chiefdom,” he stated. “It is a major step toward solving the long-standing health challenges our people have endured.”
He noted that the only existing health centre in Wai was severely under-resourced, lacking both equipment and personnel to effectively cater to the growing population. As a result, residents often had to travel long distances to seek medical attention in larger towns, a situation he described as unacceptable in the modern era.
Zoker also acknowledged the strong community loyalty to Orange Sierra Leone, revealing that a majority of residents in the area are already subscribers to the network.
“Let me proudly inform Orange Sierra Leone that most of our people here are using your services. With this remarkable support to our community, we assure you that we will continue to support your brand. You are not just a company to us anymore, you are a trusted partner in our development journey.
Sheikh Hussein Feika, speaking on behalf of his elder brother, Sheikh Feika Salim, Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Lady, expressed deep appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the chiefdom.
Feika revealed that his brother, Sheikh Feika Salim, had played a vital role in advocating for the project on behalf of the community through the Office of the First Lady. He noted that the successful lobbying effort resulted in the selection of Wai Village for the construction of the facility.
“For years, the people of Wai Village and neighboring communities have struggled with access to proper healthcare,” Feika said. “Pregnant women, in particular, face great risks, as they are often forced to travel over 100 miles to Pujehun Township to access better-equipped medical facilities. Sadly, many are forced to give birth along the highway, putting both mothers and newborns at serious risk.”
Feika emphasized that the construction of the health centre would be a transformational development for the area, improving health outcomes and saving lives, especially for vulnerable women and children.
Despite the joyous occasion, he mentioned that the community was mourning the recent loss of a beloved resident, Ign. Munda Emmanuel Rogers, which slightly overshadowed the celebration. However, due to the significance of the project for the future of the village, the event proceeded as planned.
He concluded by noting that the new health centre, when completed, will bring relief to thousands of residents in Wai and surrounding villages who have long faced challenges in accessing timely and quality healthcare.
On his part, Sekou Amadou Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, emphasized that the project is more than just the construction of a building; it is a commitment to hope, dignity, and a healthier future.
“Today, we are not only building walls. We are building hope. We are building dignity. We are building a healthier future for every man, woman, and child of this region,” Mr. Bah declared. “At Orange Sierra Leone, we believe true development is about impact supporting communities, empowering individuals, and transforming lives.”
Bah noted that Orange’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework rests on three core pillars: health, education, and culture. He highlighted that this health centre stands as a living testament to the company’s promise to make healthcare a right for all, not a privilege for a few.
CEO further stressed that a truly healthy community must also be educated and culturally enriched. “That is why, across the country, we are investing in schools, supporting digital learning, and promoting Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage,” he added.
The construction of the Wai Village Health Centre is the result of a collaborative vision supported by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and local leadership. Bah extended appreciation to all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to life, including planners, architects, and the future medical personnel who will serve the facility.
“To the people of Wai Town, this is your project. This is your future. Orange is here not only as a company, but as a partner investing in your health, your learning, and your legacy,” Bah concluded.
In his keynote address, Dr. Charles Senessie, Deputy Minister I of Health and Sanitation, lauded Orange Sierra Leone for their support to rural healthcare through the turning of the sod for the construction of a new health centre in Wai Village, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, fully funded by the company, describing the project as a vital step in complementing the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
“Government alone cannot do everything,” he said. “We rely on partnerships with the private sector, and Orange is demonstrating a commendable commitment to national development.”
Dr. Senessie explained that the Ministry of Health has adopted a comprehensive, life-saving approach to healthcare that addresses the needs of individuals from pregnancy to old age, instead of focusing on isolated issues.
He emphasized that improving access to health facilities remains a top priority, and the construction of the health centre in Wai Village is aligned with that goal. He also revealed that the Ministry is pursuing an overall strategy to improve quality of life, which is anchored on four key pillars: infrastructure, human resources, medication, and laboratory services.
“Orange Sierra Leone is helping us address one of those key pillars infrastructures,” he noted. “And this will also help complement the other areas such as laboratory services and availability of medication.”
Highlighting the impact of improved health infrastructure, Dr. Senessie shared that Sierra Leone has recorded a significant drop in maternal mortality rates.
“In 2014, our maternal mortality rate stood at nearly 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. Today, I’m pleased to say we’ve reduced that figure to about 354 per 100,000. That is a major achievement,” he said.
He concluded by stating that the construction of the new health centre in Wai Village will further contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality in the region and enhance access to quality healthcare for surrounding communities.
The project marks a critical milestone in Orange Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to bridge healthcare gaps and uplift underserved communities across the country. The event ended with the official turning of the sod by key dignitaries present.