THE battle to further contain COVID-19 spread in Western Province was given a boost following a timely donation of 7000 facial masks thanks to Eagon Pacific Plantation Limited (EPPL).
The free offer is part of a second batch of support after the Arara-based company on New Georgia donated several hundreds of masks in March.
EPPL Managing Director Boyoung Moon who travelled to Gizo yesterday morning personally handed over the cartons of KF94 masks to Western Provincial Premier Christian Mesepitu during a brief handing over ceremony held at the provincial chamber.
Deputy Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena and a number of executive members witnessed the official handing over.
Speaking at the occasion Mr Moon said the donation is part of the company’s commitment to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
He said Eagon was able to step in with the support after Western Province was in need of masks at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country in January.
He said a request was submitted to Eagon and the first batch of masks was sourced from their headquarters in Korea.
In March, Eagon also supported the Ministry of Health with masks.
For this second batch a total of 19,000 masks arrived in a container at Arara.
He said the Ministry of Health and Medical Services will be receiving 12,000 masks and 7000 masks have been allocated for Western.
Mr Moon believed the masks will help the province in its fight to contain the spread of COVID-19.
He said the support is part of the company’s long term commitment to the province and Solomon Islands.
“It’s part of our community obligation to support the province,” he said.
Premier Mesepitu while receiving the consignment sincerely acknowledged to Eagon for the donated masks.
“Thank you very much for this donation which will go a long way in helping the province to contain the fight against the spread of the virus in the country,” he said.
He said in light of the second wave of COVID-19 infection in the country, the donation is very timely.
“The province cannot thank you enough for the support given the costs involved,” he said.
He said the daily use of masks has resulted in shortage being experienced by provincial health officers.
Therefore, the donated masks will help to replenish the stocks, he added.
Mr Moon said its costs Eagon close to $500,000 to purchase and ship the masks over to Solomon Islands.
The masks are expected to be distributed to some of the departments within the provincial office which needed them the most.
By MOFFAT MAMU
