Buchanan, Grand Bassa, Liberia, August 16, 2024 — An ambulance donated by Representative Matthew Joe to the Buchanan Government Hospital in Grand Bassa County has remained idle and neglected since its arrival during the 2023 general elections.

The ambulance, intended to serve the people of Grand Bassa County’s Electoral District Three, has been sitting unused for months, accumulating dust in the hospital’s yard. The vehicle, which was meant to enhance emergency medical services in the area, is missing crucial equipment, including a stretcher and an oxygen system. Despite the lawmaker’s promise to provide these essential items to ensure the ambulance’s operational readiness, this commitment is yet to be fulfilled.

The unused ambulance has become a source of frustration for residents, who are questioning the value of the donation.

“It’s of no use to us,” said one resident.

“What was the point of bringing it from America if it’s just going to sit here?”

The situation has left many in the community so disappointed, as they continue to face inadequate healthcare.

What was once seen as a hopeful gesture has now become a symbol of neglect, reminding residents of unfulfilled promises and missed opportunities to improve local healthcare.

Citizens are calling on their lawmaker to take immediate action to equip the ambulance and put it into service, honoring the purpose for which it was intended.

Meanwhile, Representative Matthew Joe speaking to a team of media practitioners during the donation of assorted medical and non-medical supplies over the weekend to the hospital responded to the criticism by stating that the ambulance remains parked due to political interference. He assured the public that the vehicle was usable, but politics have prevented it from being deployed.

“I am working with the hospital administrators and by next month (September 2024) the ambulance will be up and ready to serve the people of Grand Bassa County” Rep Joe Stressed.