THE growing number of squatters at the proposed site for the new hospital in Gilbert Camp, East Honiara is delaying progressive work to commence the project.
This was revealed by the Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana yesterday in Parliament during the Committee of Supply stage to debate the 2022 Appropriation Bill.
Small Malaita Member of Parliament (MP) Rick Hou asked about the relocation of the new hospital from the current site to Gilbert Camp.
In response, Minister Togamana said fencing has started.
But there are squatters who are living on the site.
“So we have to deal with them safely and humanly in order to remove them before work can go ahead,” he said.
He added other ministries like lands need to work with them to deal with the situation.
“Until they are safely removed work is yet to start. That’s the situation right now,” he said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
