Nearly 200 Solomon Islands workers have been thanked for their work on the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre at a ceremony marking the completion of all major structural works and roofing.
Australia’s High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton was joined by the ministers for infrastructure, national planning and development coordination, and women, youth, children and family affairs to tour the facility and meet the large workforce responsible for delivering all major works in less than a year.
Minister for Infrastructure, Hon Ricky Fuo’o, said, the workers should be proud of their efforts, recounting his visits to the old Naha Clinic as a young boy.
“All of you can be proud to tell your children that your hands built this modern, new health facility, for the benefit of our people,” Minister Fuo’o said.
“Australia committed through the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program to using local workers on Australian-supported infrastructure, and today we see the fruits of that approach. It provides good jobs, and it supports the development of our industry.”
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Hilton said, the Naha project has always been a celebration of the long and trusted partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.
“This facility is on track to open next year, delivering high quality birthing and outpatient services for mothers, babies, and families, and relieving pressure on the National Referral Hospital,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“But as we see today, the project has also created a huge range of skilled jobs for local workers – with training and mentoring provided so that everyone leaves the Naha site with a good income, new skills, and an appreciation for quality infrastructure and on the job safety.”
With the project now 67 percent complete, the completion of roofing and structural works marks a significant milestone with all internal works able to be completed undercover.
Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon Cathy Nori was also on hand to thank the workers and meet with the many women also working on the construction.
“Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will support our health workers, and we thank Australia for its support to better health services for our community,” Hon Nori said.
While infrastructure works continue, close partnership and collaboration is preparing the Centre for a smooth opening next year, with a Ministry of Health and Medical Services-led working group including Honiara City Council, National Referral Hospital and Australia undertaking workforce planning, equipment fit out, and training.
The SBD250 million health facility will provide a dedicated Birthing Centre alongside an Urban Health Centre which will provide dental, medical imaging, pathology and outpatients services.
-AHC
