BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Construction of the Japanese funded SBD130 million project for the upgrade and improvement of the Kilu’ufi provincial hospital in Auki, Malaita province is set to begin.

This week, Kitano Company began its set-up in Auki as well as mobilisation of machineries to the province as they prepare for construction.

In an interview with Malaita premier Elijah Asilaua this week, he said this is one of the major development projects the province will largely benefit from.

“After the recent ground breaking for the project, I am pleased to see the project has now come to fruition. Since this week, we have witnessed the presence of Kitano Company in Auki. 

“The project had begun and we expect it to go into full swing next year and beyond. My government fully supports the project and we will work closely with Japan and national government to deliver it.

“The completion of the project will help address health issues as well as improve health services for the people of Malaita province,” he said.

Asilaua thanked the people and government of Japan for the fruition of this very important project for Malaita province and assured them of continuous support.

The contract for Kilu’ufi hospital project was signed by Minister for Health and Medical Service, Dr Paul Popora Bosowai with the Japanese government on July 18 this year, in Japan.

The completion of the project will provide Kilu’ufi hospital with central clinic, delivery departments and strengthening other infrastructure of the hospital such as water supply system, electricity and sewerage.

This will help support the daily medical activities at the Kilu’ufi hospital, whilst considering the future expansion of the hospital.

A statement recently made by His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki on the project say, the project is a symbol of cooperation between Japan and Solomon Islands.

Highlighting its significance to strengthen the function of medical health service in Malaita province.

He emphasized that the project will not only contribute to the infrastructure development in the province, but also medical health centre which is the basis for social activities and development in the province.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele also said that the completion of the project will not only improve health service in Malaita province, but also offer new tertiary health services.

He said it will help a lot in off-loading burden from the NRH.

The construction of the project has begun and expects completion in the first quarter of 2026.