Reg One to Enhance Healthcare and Service Delivery with New Boats
June 10, 2025 – Healthcare and public service delivery in Region One received a major boost on Tuesday with the commissioning of three new boats and engines, aimed at improving access for residents in riverine communities.
The vessels were officially commissioned during a simple ceremony at Kumaka, led by Minister of Housing and Water and Parliamentary Representative for the region, Hon. Collin Croal.
He was joined by Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, Deputy Regional Executive Officer Shem Cuffy, and other regional officials.
Two of the boats will be utilized by the Regional Health Department to support the Mabaruma and Matarkai sub-regions. One boat, fitted with a 150-horsepower engine and valued at $7.4 million, was funded through the Ministry of Health’s 2024 budget. The second, equipped with a 75-horsepower engine and costing $5.1 million, was acquired through the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) 2024 budget.
These vessels are expected to significantly enhance emergency response capacity, enable medical outreaches, and improve the distribution of drugs and healthcare supplies across remote communities. The boats will also allow for more frequent health screenings and services such as dental care, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to access basic medical attention.
Minister Croal underscored the importance of these assets in supporting broader government efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in hinterland regions. He noted that investments are also being made in telemedicine services and the deployment of healthcare professionals to better serve the region.
The third boat, valued at $7.6 million and outfitted with a powerful 200-horsepower engine, was also procured through the RDC’s 2024 budget and will be dedicated to administrative duties. It will enable regional officials to better monitor and support development initiatives in outlying communities.
Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley emphasized that the addition of the new boats will elevate the level of service delivery in the region, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach by land.
This latest investment aligns with the government’s broader commitment to bridging the development gap between coastal and hinterland communities, ensuring that all citizens have equitable access to essential services, regardless of location.
