THE public in Western Province are questioning the high cost of unpaid electricity bills by the second biggest hospital in the province – Helena Goldie Hospital.
One of the concerned members of the public is a Provincial Member of the Assembly (MPA).
The MPA who spoke on the condition of anonymity told Solomon Star that the hospital only has a week and half to settle its unpaid electricity bill or face disconnection.
The hospital located in Munda is owned by the United Church of Solomon Islands.
It was revealed that the hospital’s current outstanding electricity bill is about $875,000 and the hospital is appealing to the Western Province public for financial support towards meeting this bill.
While many are happy to assist the hospital, they also urged the hospital authorities to be transparent on why the hospital is unable to meet this bill.
Some said if this is a result of poor management, then those responsible must pay for it.
Others stated that if this is because of a cashflow problem, then significant steps had to be taken by the hospital to achieve financial stability.
The public also demands increased accountability and transparency from the hospital management to avoid a similar crisis situation reoccurring.
Solomon Star is unable to get comments from United Church and Helena Goldie Hospital before this edition went to print last night.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
