THE Japanese Embassy in Honiara has signed two project contracts on Monday – one with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the other with the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).
The project contract with the RSIPF is for the procurement of second-hand fire trucks for the RSIPF in Guadalcanal Province, Malaita Province and Western Province.
The project contract with ACOM is for the procurement of a second-hand ambulance for the Fauabu Rural Health Clinic (RHC) in Malaita Province, which is owned by ACOM.
The total amount of grants for the two projects are USD89,705 and USD31,346 respectively.
These two projects are funded under the Japanese Embassy’s Grassroots and Human Security Project.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki announced that the Grassroots and Human Security Project will assist in the procurement of the firefighting trucks and the ambulance from Japan to Honiara.
He said both grants will fund the logistical and shipment costs for the vehicles.
Ambassador Miwa acknowledged the Japanese Firefighting Association for donating the firefighting trucks and ambulance.
“I hope and believe that these firefighting trucks and ambulance will be put into good use for the benefit of the people in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Western provinces.
“These firefighting equipment as well as the emergency medical-care equipment are essential infrastructures to save the lives of people in this country.
“This project is a very good example that the people of Japan are able to cooperate with the people of Solomon Islands for your development and we believe that this gift will have positive impacts,” Ambassador Miwa said.
The RSIPF Fire Department Supervising Director James Ketaru, in his remarks, applauded the government and people of Japan for their continuous support to Solomon Islands.
Mr Ketaru said the donation is a great relief and timely assistance for the RSIPF Fire Service as their firefighting fleets have encountered mechanical faults, making their response to emergencies untimely.
He thanked Ambassador Miwa for the generous donation, saying they will help alleviate and boost fire and emergency response to the expected standard and save lives and protect properties of the government, business houses and the people of Solomon Islands, especially in Honiara City and its surroundings.
Japan had donated firefighting trucks to the RSIPF before and the latest was in 2023 when it donated a fire pump truck.
ACOM Chief Operating Officer Peter Pitia, in turn, expressed Fauabu RHC’s gratitude to the government and people of Japan for the donation of money for an ambulance.
“Your remarkable act of kindness and support will greatly enhance Fauabu RHC’s ability to provide timely and essential emergency medical services to those in need.
“This ambulance is not just a vehicle; it’s a beacon of hope and a symbol of compassion for our communities and Malaita Province as a whole. Your contribution through this project will undoubtedly save lives and bring comfort to countless families and communities in Malaita,” Pitia said.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
