…We’re Taking Steps For Its Rebuild -Council Boss
One of the Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) in the country, Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) today, protested the abandonment of the construction of the demolished Somolu General Hospital, by the Lagos State government.
The state government demolished the Somolu General Hospital to pave way for its reconstruction due to its dilapidated state over a year ago when the current first Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwoolu, was the Chief Medical Director (CMD).
However, in calling for the immediate and urgent reconstruction of the health facility, HURMA members made a peaceful protest walk within Somolu community today.
During the protest walk, the group carried placards with various inscriptions such as: “We can’t afford foreign trip treatment”; “Save our lives, rebuild Somolu General Hospital urgently “Mrs. Sanwoolu, please fulfill your promise on Somolu General Hospital”; “Somolu General Hospital needs urgent attention”; “Somolu people are demanding urgent attention on the General Hospital”, among others.
The groups in its letter titled ‘A call to rebuild Somolu General Hospital’ which a copy was submitted to the Office of the State governor, the Somolu Constituency office of Honourable Rotimi Olowo, a lawmaker representing Somolu at the Lagos State House of Assembly and the council chairman, Abdulahmed Salawu, stated that the peaceful protest became necessary due several complaints received from the residents of the community on the challenges been faced before getting medical attention.
Parts of the letter which was read by HURMA’s Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, at the Somolu Local Government Secretariat, reads; “the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) wishes to bring to your notice and as well appeal for your support. the people’s popular demand for urgent government Intervention to revive Somolu General Hospital in order to rescue the people of Somolu community and other residents from the general threat of neglect and abandonment.
“A part of the structure of the General Hospital building was demolished during the tenure of the fIrst Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Sanwo Olu as the Medical Director and all promises to rebuild the structure to a better and more befitting hospital has remained a mirage Residents have since been fed with tales of a ghost land somewhere else in Somolu for a new general hospital, but our office is convinced from the general reports gathered that the present space occupied is more than enough to achieve our dream hospital for the communities.
“Our office receives on daily basis, news of what the residents now go through and how lives are lost on the excuses of no room for admission among others.
“We hereby appeal for urgent intervention of the Lagos-State government to come to the aid of the poor Nigerians in Somolu communities. These are people that cannot afford foreign trip for treatment that is achievable with a serious and genuine political will.
“HURMA will lead some community members on a protest to simply vent the peoples grievances, but a mass action may follow if urgent attention is not given”.
Comrade Buna who commended the Council Chairman for his hard work in his bid to meet the yearning of his people, however called on him to take urgent steps in ensuring that the health facility is rebuild in earnest.
Responding, the Council Chairman, Mr. Salawu, said the hospital is one of the project he inherited from the past administration, but stated that he will meet with the State government and ensure that another general hospital is provided.
The Chairman who said the unlawful and illegal occupation of 15 plots of land meant for the new health facility, had contributed the to the delay in building a new hospital. He however, promised that the land will be reclaimed and used for the purpose it was intended for.
