The Government of the Solomon Islands has signed a contract with Japanese company Kitano Construction to oversee the refurbishment work for the Kiluúfi Hospital.
This agreement marks a significant step in upgrading the healthcare infrastructure in Auki, Malaita Province.
The contract was signed during an official ceremony which was attended by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and other notable officials.
Solomon Islands government said that the new upgrade project is valued at approximately SI$120m ($13.44m) and will focus on the refurbishment of a total of six buildings within the hospital complex.
This redevelopment is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare access for citizens across all provinces, with an emphasis on reaching those located in the remote areas.
The government underscored the importance of this project as a symbol of progress and dedication to the health and welfare of Solomon Islanders, particularly residents of Malaita Province.
Solomon Islands Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai said: “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.
“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.
"However, with the signing of the contract, we are turning a new page in our journey to progress health services.”
At the signing event, Bosawai also expressed gratitude towards the Government of Japan, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Fukunaga Architects and Engineers, and Kitano Construction for their partnership and support.
Bosawai added: “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.”
In February this year, the Solomon Islands government began the eight-month long upgrade work on Tulagi Hospital off the Nggela Sule coast.
