BY IRWIN ANGIKI

More than 4,000 people on Savo island are set to benefit from a sea-ambulance donated by China to the Savo-Russell constituency.

The constituency received a fibreglass boat fitted with a 40 horsepower Yamaha engine and fuel tank yesterday during a lowkey handover at the constituency office at Ngossi, West Honiara.

This boat is to be used as an ambulance at the Panueli clinic on Savo island, transporting patients from communities, and also referral cases to the national referral hospital (NRH) in Honiara. With no roads on the island, the only mode of transport is by sea.

Constituency development officer of Savo-Russell, George Hassar said they had requested assistance from the Chinese embassy early this year to have a sea ambulance.

“The PRC Embassy responded immediately with $100,000 funds, but engines were out of stock thus the delay. But, when the engines were available this week, we purchased it yesterday, and today the handover,” Mr Hassar said.

Hasser says this is the first sea ambulance to be given to a clinic in the constituency, and they are looking forward to having each clinic in Savo-Russell own a sea ambulance.

“With this ideal, we are looking forward to more assistance from the PRC embassy through our partnership – to donate more sea ambulances to other clinics throughout the Savo-Russell constituency,” Hassar said.

Director Gu from the Chinese embassy in his keynote address said the Embassy is happy to give the donation which will help improve the daily life of the people and communities on Savo.

“I wish to express my special thanks to Hon Oliver Salopuka and his team, who helped our embassy’s communication with the local community, worked hard during the past few weeks and making today’s event happen in such as sooner, smooth and thoughtful manner,” Gu said.

Gu reiterated China’s willingness to help Solomon Islands modernise, adding that the embassy helped establish sister relations between the Central province, in which the Savo-Russell constituency is located, and Hubei province in China to further cooperation and development opportunities.

“Looking ahead, China is ready to work with you and all Solomon Islands people to further advance our friendship and cooperation between the two countries and bring more benefit to our two peoples,” Gu said.

CDO Hassar in his keynote conveyed the gratitude of MP Oliver Salopuka, the constituency and people of Savo-Russell islands to the people and government of China for the donation.

“We really appreciate your assistance for the purpose of the sea ambulance. A common medium of transport in our constituency is the sea transport. So, this assistance is more than we expect that will really help the livelihoods of our people.

“For so long, we don’t have any mini-hospital like other constituencies, we find it so hard to help sick people. We have to move them to Honiara in search of further treatment. That’s why we are so grateful for this help,” Hassar said.

CDO Hassar said one of the constituency’s long-term plans is for Savo-Russell to have a mini-hospital.

He adds that this can be possible through help from friends like China.

More sea ambulances will be distributed to other clinics in the constituency later, Hassar said.

Hassar explained that in the Savo-Russell constituency, there are only two main clinics – Panueli being the only one on Savo, and Yandina clinic on Russell islands.

The main challenge is transporting patients to these clinics via sea transport, which often are delayed and costly for the rural populace.

Furthermore, seriously ill patients requiring treatment not available at the clinic are referred to the NRH and require transport.

Hassar said with the donation, these challenges will be addressed on Savo island.

Operation of the sea ambulance is catered for by the clinic’s budget, which is supported by the Central province and the constituency.

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