PRIME Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has acknowledged the former Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) under the leadership of Manasseh Sogavare and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for the new National Referral Hospital (NRH) Comprehensive Medical Centre (CMC).
Delivering the key note address at the CMC handover last Friday, PM Manele made mention of the previous government for their strong support for the project.
“To my predecessor and mentor, former Prime Minister and current Minister of Finance, Hon Manasseh Sogavare who did the groundbreaking ceremony on this very site 13 months ago along with the former Minister of Health, Hon Dr Culwick Togamana for their steadfast support in the early phase of the project.
“Let me convey my sincerest appreciation to His Excellency Ambassador Cai Weiming, and through him to the people and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for this tremendous and wonderful gift to the people and the Government and Solomon Islands.
“Truly, we cannot expect a better New Year present than this fabulous comprehensive medical centre because in only a few days, on the 29th January 2025, the people of China all over the world will be celebrating your Springs Festival, a celebration of the beginning of a new year.
“This new facility from the people and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is indeed a significant new year gift from the people and government of the Peoples Republic of China to the people and Government of Solomon Islands,” Prime Minister Manele said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the current Minister and his executives and other key stakeholders including the contractors for their vision and for keeping the project on track.
“Let me also thank the current Minister of Health, Hon Dr Paul Bosawai for ensuring the tempo on the construction did not drop which has resulted in today’s handing over of the new hospital. I also would like to thank the Ministry’s Senior Executive Management team led by Permanent Secretary of Health, Mrs Pauline McNeil.
“I commend your tireless efforts, and your collective vision and foresight right from day 1. You did not waste time in ensuring government’s responsibilities were attended to enable the construction work to commence soon after the groundbreaking ceremony 13 months ago. Thank you and congratulations.”
“To Ms Zheng Manhong, Team Leader of the Project Management Group, Central- South Architectural Design Institute (CSADI) and Shenyang, my sincerest gratitude for your professional and efficient management of the project. What was supposed to have been a 16 months’ project has been completed in 13 months.”
“To Mr Ji Lyuping, Team Leader of the Construction Technical Group, Jiangsu Jiangdu Construction Group Company Limited [JJC], your dedication and professional workmanship, is seen throughout this building. Under the heat of the sun, humidity, or rain, you were steadfast in ensuring that the construction of this magnificent comprehensive medical centre continued unabated.
“Further, you have employed over 205 of our local people, giving them the opportunity to learn new trade skills and knowledge but more importantly, giving them the opportunity to put bread and butter on the table and for their families. Thank you so much Mr Ji Lyuping for your leadership in ensuring that the construction of this magnificent building is delivered ahead of schedule by three months.
“Ms Zheng Manhong and Mr Ji Lyuping, together you have set another record in the construction industry in Solomon Islands. You have completed a major four storey hospital in thirteen months. You delivered beyond our expectations. I thank both of you and your respective companies on behalf of the people and government of Solomon Islands,”Prime Minister Manele said.
– MHMS
