Mama Kandeh, leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress, has condemned a plan by the Chinese government to construct a hospital at the State House in Banjul. 

President Xi Jiping pledged to build the hospital for the Barrow government at an estimated cost of two billion dalasis (D2bn).

However, Kandeh viewed the plan as a misplaced priority, suggesting that the project should be taken to other parts of the country instead of the State House. 

“I am utterly concerned about plans to construct a hospital at the State House by the Chinese government at a tune of 28 million dollars. However, I welcome Chinese government support to Gambia by building hospitals anywhere in the country except at the State House,” he said.

Kandeh lashed out at Barrow and senior government officials for not having trust in the country’s healthcare system.

“Many senior government officials including Barrow himself seek overseas treatment. None of them go for treatment in our hospitals but how many Gambians can afford overseas treatment.

“If we have such a chance with this amount of money, I think it should be used in the best interest of the country, because he signed a contract with Gambians and he should make sure he work accordingly,” he added.