The New Zealand Navy in support of the Honiara City Council (HCC) has ended its civic support duties last week on Thursday.
The sailors arrived in the country early this week and have been engaged in a number duties to help renovate few health centres and the Multi-purpose Hall.
Apart from this work, a group of HCC staff participated in the first aid training which commenced on Wednesday.
The training was conducted on board the New Zealand Patrol Vessel HMNZS Wellington by leading Medic Gracie Pryce.
Participants were given lecturers on first aid and later demonstrations were shown in which the HCC staff also took part in.
“Basically it is very important to know how to apply first aid in any circumstances where there is an accident and this could help someone with their lives,” said Pryce.
“I hope everyone can now be able to apply first aid after the training in their respective field of duty within the HCC,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the HCC staff, Chief Education Officer Wayne Koebule thanked the Ms Pryce and the New Zealand Navy.
“We are so privileged to be part of the training and we have learned a lot on the basics of first aid. This is a bonus for us because some of us perform various hazardous jobs and in any event if accidents occur, we can be able to put our new skills on first aid to practice,” Mr Koebule said.
Other work also continued at the Council’s Multi-Purpose Hall and at the Mbokonavera Clinic. “At the Mbokona Clinic the roof and external walls were painted and also the timber seating area outside for patients.
The Navy crew also enjoyed a visit to the American War memorial and also looked at some of the battle sites in Vara Creek area,” said Richard Jones, HCC Works Adviser.
Further progress was also made on painting the changing room facilities at the Multi-Purpose Hall and this work will be completed today by HCC works crews.
Work at the Rove Clinic has also almost been completed with only finishing touches needed. ‘
“The success of the visit has really been achieved by sharing tasks and working together,” Mr Jones said.
The civic activities which the sailors have conducted were being coordinated via the New Zealand Aid Programme-funded support to Honiara City Council; the Honiara Economic Development Support Programme or HEDSUP.
“We wish to thank the Navy for their work and the good natured spirit they brought and shared with the Council workers, the people using the facilities and the community. The sailors have helped to increase the life-span of the Council Buildings. It was also great to see the sailors taking an interest in what they saw around the city and their willingness to learn and broaden their view through the visit.” said Megan Praeger, HCC Lead Adviser.
The HMNZS Wellington left on Friday morning for a tour around other parts of the Solomon Islands for WWII commemorations and then for Papua New Guinea.
By Kadiba Alu
HCC Communications Officer
