[Published on Sunday, Feb 1]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Japanese-funded project to upgrade and improve Kilu’ufi Hospital in Auki, Malaita Province, is expected to complete soon.

Japan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi spoke to the media about this multi-million-dollar life-saving project in an interview on Saturday, January 31, highlighting its importance for Malaita province.

Ambassador Higuchi noted that Kilu’ufi hospital upgrade is one of the key projects under Japan’s grassroots assistance programme.

He said the project was in its planning stages for several years, and that construction is currently on schedule, and is expected to be complete in the coming months.

“After the construction is finished, we will install medical equipment.

“Of course, there will also be a need for doctors, nurses, and other staff,” Higuchi said.

He added that the Kilu’ufi hospital upgrade will be one of the flagship projects for Japan’s grassroots initiative in the Solomon Islands.

In the meantime, the ambassador assures that Japan will continue to support future grassroots programmes in the country.

“I understand that every year we receive more than 100 applications under the grassroots programme, but we cannot meet all of them,” Keiichi explained.

He said projects funded under the programme such as school buildings, clinics, and other infrastructure have been completed and benefiting local communities.

“It brings us great joy to hear the words of thanks and appreciation from the people who benefit from these projects funded by Japan,” he said.

The ambassador emphasised that Japan is committed to support the people of Solomon Islands through its grassroots programme and hopes that the initiative will continue to make a positive impact.

Photo: MFAET

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