96 Solar Batteries Sent to Makeni Government Hospital Allegedly Stolen by Staff

Police are investigating the alleged theft of 96 solar batteries sent by the Government of Sierra Leone to the Makeni Government Hospital.

The batteries, meant to provide electricity to the public health facility, were reportedly stolen and misused by hospital staff.

According to reports, the batteries were not taken by outsiders, but allegedly by people working at the hospital. Some of the batteries were sold, and at least one was reportedly installed in a staff member’s home, based on information shared in a video.

A video circulating online claims that police have sealed off the office of the Makeni Regional Hospital Secretary, Mr. Kabia, as part of the ongoing investigation. He is said to be in police custody along with two other hospital staff  the chief security officer and a community health officer.

One of the officers, the community health officer, was said to have been caught with six solar batteries. According to the video, during questioning, this officer pointed to the maintenance officer as the person responsible for the theft. The video also claims that the community health officer installed the solar panels in their own home.

It is further alleged that Mr. Kabia, the hospital secretary, took air conditioners that were meant for different departments of the hospital.

According to reports, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Mena Police Station in Makeni is leading the case. It is said that some of the stolen batteries have been recovered.

People in the Makeni district are calling on the Ministry of Health to take action against those involved and to make sure hospital supplies are used properly.

It is said that the investigation is still ongoing.