Kitano Construction will oversee the SBD$120 million refurbishment Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province – a SBD$120 million project funded by the Japanese Government.
Health and Medical Services minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai signed an agreement with Kitano Construction in Japan last week in Tokyo to seal the engagement.
The project will see major improvements of approximately six buildings of the hospital.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, who was in Japan last week for the PALM summit, witnessed the signing ceremony.
Bosawai said the signing of the contract signifies progress, resilience, and steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of the people of Solomon Islands, but specifically the people of Malaita Province.
“Much needed improvements and upgrades to our health facilities including our Provincial Hospitals is well known and this has been on our radar for a long time,” Bosawai said.
“Our current healthcare infrastructure is not fully equipped to withstand the challenges posed by the increasing demand for health services and the rising health needs of the country, given the expanding population, emerging new diseases, the re-emergence of known diseases, and the impacts of climate change to name a few,” he added.
“However, with the signing of the contract, we are turning a new page in our journey to progress health services.”
Bosawai also thanked the Government and the people of Japan for their steadfast partnership and support.
“For nearly 50 years, our two nations have stood together, and today, as we reflect on the signed contract, we reaffirm the strength of our friendship and the depth of our commitment to each other,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Fukunaga Architects and Engineers (FAE) Company and the Kitano Construction Corporation for all their hard work and unwavering support to reach this accomplishment.
“I have no doubt this project will be delivered smoothly with Kitano’s reputation for professionalism and an excellent track record in Solomon Islands.
“We are confident they will deliver a hospital that not only meets, but exceeds our expectations.
“Their expertise will ensure that our vision for a modern and an improved hospital becomes a reality, setting new standards for healthcare infrastructure in Malaita Province.”
Bosawai added his ministry stands ready to support the construction to ensure smooth implementation of the project to meet deadlines and towards its completion in 2026.
Located near provincial capital Auki, Kilu’ufi is Malaita’s main hospital. It’s been built in the 1970s.
There has been no major refurbishment of the hospital since, which resulted in its current poor state of infrastructure.
This project is expected to give Kilu’ufi its first major face-lift and lift the state of the hospital to be in par with the National Referral Hospital in Honiara and with Gizo Hospital in Western Province.
Gizo Hospital is Japan’s first and biggest health project so far in Solomon Islands.
In Malaita, Japan also built the multi-million dollar Jetty and Market project in Auki, as well as numerous grassroots projects in health, education and community across the province.