BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Taeloa Clinic project, championed by the late Daniel Suidani, former Premier of Malaita Province and Member of Malaita Provincial Assembly for Ward 5, West Baegu/Fataleka, is gradually taking shape.
This progress follows the formal project-implementation agreement signed in March 2025 between the Japanese Embassy in Honiara and a committee representing Ward 5.
In addition to the clinic itself, the project also includes a water supply system, designed to support the clinic’s operations and provide improved access to clean water for communities within Taeloa.
The project is currently at the walling stage, with roofing and other phases still to come.
Once completed, the clinic is expected to address the long-standing challenge the communities of Ward 5 have faced in accessing healthcare.
In a statement from 2025 from the late Suidani, he emphasized the significance of the clinic for the people of West Fataleka.
For decades, residents had to walk long distances to the nearest clinics in Fauabu and Arao.
“The clinic will be a relief for my people. They will no longer have to travel such long distances to access healthcare and clean water,” he said.
The late Suidani had also acknowledged Japan’s long-standing support for development in Solomon Islands, noting that Japan had funded major projects in Malaita, including the Auki Wharf and Auki Market.
“They are also funding the ongoing improvements at Kilu’ufi Hospital,” he said in the statement.
He had also called on the people of Ward 5 to support the project in every way possible, encouraging them to contribute any available resources to help ensure the project is completed within its 11-month timeframe.
The former Premier of Malaita also said that such a project is community-based and they must show their support for it and ensure it is successfully implemented.
In the statement, he also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Japanese Ambassador and his successor for their efforts in ensuring that the project was approved and prioritized for the people of Ward 5.
This multi-million-dollar project is expected to be completed later this year.
Photo credit: Nohkcy Suidani
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