ALL machineries and material to kick-start the long-awaited Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project in Malaita Province have arrived.
The Kitano Construction Company of Japan assisted in the delivery of the equipment.
The groundbreaking ceremony held last month was attended by the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai and his Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil, Deputy Premier of Malaita Province, Randol Sifoni and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination and the Ministry of Public Service.
A Japanese delegation, including the Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki, Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA’s) Solomon Islands resident representative, Takeshi Watanabe and executive members of Fukunaga Architects-Engineers and Kitano Construction, were also at hand.
Funded by the Japanese government at a cost of $120 million, this project aims to significantly enhance health services in Malaita Province.
Construction machineries and equipment have recently arrived in Auki and are being transported to the project site.
Additional equipment are expected to arrive later this month to expedite construction efforts.
The project is scheduled for completion in approximately 18 months and will introduce key new developments, including a new Central Clinical Building and Delivery Unit, along with upgrades to medical equipment.
These enhancements will provide new emergency services, outpatient care, medical imaging, operating theaters, delivery rooms, and a special care nursery, thus greatly improving access to quality healthcare in Malaita Province.
The project will also ensure access to clean water and stable electricity—essential components for effective hospital operations and future expansions.
This initiative represents Japan’s third-largest investment in Malaita Province, following the completion of the Auki Market and jetty projects in 2012.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
