THE much-awaited implementation of the SBD120 million Japanese Government-funded Project for the improvement and expansion of the Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province has commenced with an official groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this pivotal project was attended by a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki and other officials from the Japanese Embassy in Honiara, officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kitano Construction Corporation and Fukunaga Architects Engineers and Malaita Provincial Government along with landowners and members of the Kilu’ufi Hospital Community.
The Malaita Provincial Government dubbed the event as a testament to the ongoing benefits that the Solomon Islands, specifically Malaita Province, gains from shared social and economic programs that have delivered invaluable infrastructure projects in the country over the recent years.
Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni expressed the provincial government’s delight over the commencement of the implementation of the project, emphasizing that its successful implementation would significantly enhance health services for the residents of Malaita.
He said according to provincial health statistics, 55 percent of health facilities in Malaita have not undergone any renovation in the past five years, while 41 percent have only seen minor renovations.
Deputy Premier Sifoni said this unfortunate situation, compounded by a lack of adequate medical equipment and staffing, poses risks to the health of those served by the hospital.
He said the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement and Expansion Project is expected to elevate healthcare standards for the residents of Auki town and the five regions of the province.
The project will see the construction of a new Central Clinical Building and Delivery Unit, as well as the upgrading of medical equipment and thereby enhance the health services provided by the hospital.
The project will also ensure access to clean water and stable electricity, which are essential components for an effective hospital operation and future expansion.
“The availability of new facilities for emergency services, outpatient care, medical imaging, operating theatres, delivery rooms, a special care nursery, and other critical infrastructure will significantly improve access to quality health services in Malaita Province,” an elated Sifoni stated.
The Deputy Premier also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the collaborative efforts between Tokyo and Honiara, particularly through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, which brought the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement and Expansion Project to fruition.
“Malaita Provincial Government and our communities are grateful to the government of Japan and our Solomon Islands government for prioritizing this project to meet our community’s health needs.
“Our friendship flourishes through deepening cooperation and bilateral connections for better development, fostering a lasting bond between our two countries since the establishment of our diplomatic relationship in 1978,” he addedly underscored.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
