BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE Government of Japan has funded a grant of two billion and eleven million Japanese Yen (¥ 2,011,000,000) equivalent to SBD 120 million to expand and improve Kilu’ufi Hospital in Aimela, Malaita Province.
The Government of Solomon Islands and the Embassy of Japan on Friday (23rd June 2023) in Honiara signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the implementation of the project.
Japan Ambassador His Excellency (H.E.) Miwa Yoshiaki revealed at the Exchange of Notes Ceremony: “I am glad to stand here as a signatory representing the Government of Japan to sign the Exchange of Notes for the Grant Assistance to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) for the Improvement Project of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province.
“This Grant Aid assistance under the Bilateral Aid program for Kilu’ufi Hospital has a total budget of Two Billion and Eleven Million Japanese Yen (¥ 2,011,000,000) which is approximately One Hundred and Twenty Million Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD 120,000,000-00),” H.E. Miwa Yoshiaki said.
He further added: “The project is aimed at strengthening the functions of Kilu’ufi Hospital by establishing priority facilities.
“It is extremely significant to establish a medical service system in Malaita, the most populous province in the Solomon Islands so that the inhabitant in Malaita can enjoy appropriate medical care in their province without visiting Honiara.
“The medical infrastructure project will provide the basis for the robust and sustainable development of Malaita, along with the construction of infrastructural facilities such as roads, electricity, and port facilities.
“I have visited Malaita several times since I arrived in Solomon at the end of April last year, and I strongly hope that this province with rich human and natural resources as well as the potential for development will grow together with the other eight provinces.
“I would like to mention that in the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8) Leaders’ Declaration, ‘Strengthening the Basis for Resilient and Sustainable Development’ was one of the pillars of adopted policies, which was maintained as such also in the declaration of PALM 9,” he said.
He later thanked the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for all efforts to realize this particular project of strategic importance.
“The Government of Japan stands firm as a responsible Partner for the development of priority sectors in the Solomon Island and with this Exchange Note signing we guarantee an ongoing Mutual Relationship that will continue to flourish for years to come. With these few remarks, I would like to thank you all for your time,’’ H.E Yoshiaki said.
Meanwhile, Under the Grant Aid assistance of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs, JICA has conducted ‘The Project for Reconstruction of Gizo Hospital’, ‘The Improvement of Honiara International Airport Project’, and ‘Kukum Highway Project – Phase # 2’ and many others.
Likewise, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele said the project signifies the comprehensive vision of the Japanese Government to promote health sector development and to effectively enhance the country’s health services.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Solomon Islands, please allow me to convey our sincere and deepest appreciation to your Government for this important life-changing project,” he said.
He said Malaita province forms the largest portion of the Solomon Islands population, and with this comes much-needed critical infrastructure and service delivery in the health sector for the people of Malaita and the country as a whole.
“The expansion and improvement project will further strengthen the functions of Kilu’ufi Hospital as it will accommodate the emergency medicine and general outpatient service, medical imaging, delivery unit, and operating theatres suite with a central sterilization department.
“This assistance by the Japanese Government is a demonstration of the unwavering friendship between the two Governments and the understanding and awareness of the needs of its people.
“Going forward, the Government will continue to work with Japan to promote and advance matters of mutual interest and further cement the bilateral bond between Japan and the Solomon Islands,” Minister Manele added.
Under the Grant Aid Assistance of Japan’s ODA programs, JICA has conducted ‘The Project for Reconstruction of Gizo Hospital‘, ‘The Improvement of Honiara International Airport Project’, and ‘Kukum Highway Project –Phase # 2;” and many others.
