Margibi County—The Margibi County Administration, in collaboration with the Margibi County Legislative Caucus, has broken ground for the reconstruction of the fire-ravaged Dolo Town Health Center in Lower Margibi County.
By Yawah Y. Jaivey
Giving an overview of the project during the groundbreaking ceremony over the weekend, Margibi County Development Officer, Lewis B. Kaine, recalled that the county administration dispatched an assessment team following the fire outbreak at the facility on February 23, 2025.
Kaine said that due to the critical role the health center plays in providing healthcare services to thousands of residents in that part of the county, the administration urgently convened a meeting with members of the Margibi County Legislative Caucus to address the situation.
“During the meeting, the Legislative Caucus and the county administration agreed that every effort should be made to reconstruct the Dolo Town Health Center. As a result of that decision, the county administration was tasked with ensuring its implementation,” Mr. Kaine recalled.
He disclosed that the Legislative Caucus further agreed that the County’s Social Development Fund from Firestone, totaling US$160,000 be redirected toward the reconstruction of the facility.
“Following the caucus’ decision, the Superintendent was instructed to notify the County Development Council, which subsequently endorsed the implementation of the project,” Mr. Kaine added.
For his part, Representative Ivar K. Jones, Chairman of the Margibi County Legislative Caucus and Representative of the District where the project is being implemented, said the caucus was under pressure to act swiftly, especially at a time when the healthcare needs of residents were severely impacted.
Rep. Jones revealed that prior to the fire incident, he had worked with the Margibi County Health Team to elevate the facility to a comprehensive health center. However, he noted that the building previously housing the health center fell far below the Ministry of Health’s Standards.
Following the fire, Rep. Jones said he was instructed by fellow caucus members to obtain the blueprint for a comprehensive health center from the Ministry of Health.
“According to Ministry of Health standards, a comprehensive health center must cost no less than US$500,000. It should not be a single building, but a complex of at least five structures,” he explained.
Rep. Jones further disclosed that, through the support and collaboration of other caucus members, US$100,000 was allocated in the 2026 National Budget to support the reconstruction of the Dolo Town Health Center.
“The US$100,000 allocation is intended to begin new construction at this site to upgrade it into a full comprehensive health center—one that will serve as a hub and reduce the need for residents to travel to the 14 Military Hospital, JFK, Firestone, or C.H. Rennie Hospital,” Rep. Jones stated.
He expressed gratitude to members of the Margibi Legislative Caucus and the County Development Council for agreeing to utilize the US$160,000 annual Firestone land rental funds, originally intended for the entire county, to support the project.
Also speaking, Margibi County Senator James Emmanuel Nuquay described the reconstruction of the Dolo Town Comprehensive Health Center as a “signature project.”
“I personally consider this initiative a signature project, particularly as it relates to the use of Firestone’s social development funds. Once completed, we will have something tangible to point to as a benefit derived from these funds,” Senator Nuquay said.
He noted that the completion of the project would pave the way for similar legacy projects across the county. “That way, we can clearly say Firestone has been here, and this is what the county has gained from the social development funds,” he added.
Senator Nuquay called on members of the caucus to maintain unity, emphasizing that collective action is essential for achieving meaningful development.
“As a caucus, we believe in a unified approach. With unity, development becomes easier to accomplish,” he stressed. The senator further disclosed that the caucus agreed on a dual strategy—allowing the national government to focus on the reconstruction of C.H. Rennie Hospital, while the county takes responsibility for rebuilding the Dolo Town facility.
“We could not ask the government to do both, especially when Margibi is not the only county facing challenges,” he noted. Senator Nuquay also praised former Margibi County Superintendent Madam Victoria Worlobah Duncan for being instrumental in supporting the initiative.
Also, Margibi County Superintendent OJay Morris commended members of the Legislative Caucus for their collaboration with the county administration, emphasizing that healthcare remains a top priority.
“These legislators, despite being from the opposition, continue to support the county administration and, by extension, the Boakai-led government. Together, we are ensuring development reaches every part of the county,” Superintendent Morris said.
He added that the reconstruction of the Dolo Town Health Center aligns with the ARREST Agenda, particularly in advancing healthcare delivery for the people of Liberia.
