BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Japanese government reaffirms its commitment to supporting the social and economic development of the Solomon Islands.

Mr Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi, the Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) stressed this before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last week.

Mitsuyoshi highlighted the strong bond between Japan and the Solomon Islands, emphasizing JICA’s role in implementing Japan’s development assistance.

He said one key project currently underway is the Kilu’ufi hospital project, which is set to complete in March 2026, followed by the installation of medical equipment and the official handover of the facility in April 2026.

However, Mitsuyoshi raised concerns about the hospital’s long-term maintenance costs, stressing the importance of government planning to ensure its successful operation.

He noted that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has already allocated a budget of SBD $3.7 million to cover operational and maintenance expenses.

Moreover, Mitsuyoshi said Japan through JICA continues to support Solomon Islands in sectors such as forestry, fisheries, and energy, where focus is at grassroots level to strengthen local communities.

He also stated that JICA also provides both long-term and short-term advisory support in fields like environmental management, agriculture, and maritime and others, in the country.

Furthermore, Mitsuyoshi said Japan offers specialized training programs for Solomon Islands government officials, enabling them to enhance their skills through study opportunities in Japan.

Through these collaborative efforts, Mitsuyoshi reiterated Japan’s dedication to contributing to the social and economic development of the Solomon Islands.

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