The decision, which Bong County Superintendent Selena Polson Mappy considers as a major breakthrough, took nearly a week to reach because residents of the colony had expressed fear of stigma and adverse effects on the area from activities at the center.

The change of decision came following hours of exchanges and the provision of insight into the project on Wednesday between the residents and health authorities.

Having understood the terms and benefits of the project, the residents conceded and identified nearly five acres of the 150 acres of government-owned land occupied by the colony one mile away from the Gbarnga-Monrovia Highway in Suakoko, Bong County.

 Addressing citizens later, Superintendent Mappy said the identification of a site now paves the way for government and donors to erect, fund and manage the centrally-located Ebola Treatment Center.

Speaking earlier, Bong County Health Officer (CHO), Dr. Samson K. Arzoaquoi, noted that time was running out,  adding, ”if the project is not implemented now donors could take their funding to another location whereas this county needs it most.”

Arzoaquoi promised that the construction and all other activities at the center will be handled professionally.

Already, the Government in collaboration with the charity, Save the Children, and other partners, were awaiting the clearing of the site to begin work on the center.

When completed, it will alleviate many constraints, including the cost and time associated with transferring suspected and confirmed Ebola cases to Monrovia as well as providing housing facility for those working at the center.

By Ballah Kollie, LINA Bong County Correspondent

LINA BK/JGT/TSS/PTK