Residents of Congo Cross Appeal for Healthcare and Recreational Facilities

Residents of the Congo Cross community in Freetown are appealing to the government and development partners to urgently establish a healthcare centre and recreational facilities, citing rising health-related deaths and limited access to essential services.

Speaking to Liberty Television, community leaders expressed deep concern over the lack of a nearby medical facility, describing the situation as a growing public health threat. Many families have lost loved ones to preventable illnesses and emergency complications simply because medical help was too far away.

Madam Hawa Koroma, a long-time resident and women’s group leader, said the absence of a local health centre has left the community vulnerable.

“We have pregnant women, children, and elderly people who often suffer because the nearest hospital is far away and not always accessible at night. We are pleading with the government to hear our cry and bring healthcare closer to us,” she lamented.

Other residents highlighted that emergency cases, such as accidents or childbirth complications, often result in fatalities due to delays in reaching medical facilities. They called on the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) and the Freetown City Council (FCC) to include Congo Cross in the next phase of community health infrastructure development.

Community youth leader Ibrahim Bangura added that the absence of recreational spaces has contributed to negative social behaviors among young people.

“There is nowhere for the youth to engage in sports or creative activities. This makes many of them idle and susceptible to harmful influences, including substance abuse. A simple football field or youth centre could change lives here,” he said.

Stakeholders are urging the government to adopt a holistic approach that integrates healthcare, youth development, and social infrastructure within community planning, noting that such investments would save lives, promote mental wellness, reduce drug use, and foster unity.

Public health experts support the call, stressing that local healthcare access is crucial for early diagnosis, maternal care, and emergency response.

“Primary healthcare facilities are the backbone of preventive medicine. Communities like Congo Cross deserve a functioning health post equipped to handle basic emergencies and referrals,” said a Freetown-based health worker.

While the government has embarked on efforts to improve primary healthcare delivery under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, many Western Area communities still lack dedicated health centres due to resource constraints and rapid urban growth.

Residents are appealing directly to President Julius Maada Bio’s administration and donor agencies to prioritize their area for health and youth infrastructure projects.

“We don’t need promises anymore, we need action. A small clinic here will mean that our people no longer die from simple sicknesses. We deserve that much,” said an elderly resident.

The appeal from Congo Cross reflects broader struggles faced by urban communities in Sierra Leone, balancing growth, access to services, and the hope for a healthier, more vibrant future.