Governmen through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is taking steps to address the ongoing water supply challenges faced by Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda, Western Province.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai confirmed this in Parliament on Monday in response to a question from Opposition Leader Hon. Mathew Wale.
Dr. Bosawai said the hospital has endured serious water supply problems for an extended period, compromising hospital operations, patient care, and staff well-being.
“Access to clean and reliable water remains a critical issue,” he said. “Recognising the urgent need for a sustainable water supply system, the Hon. George Tema, together with the hospital management, has prioritised addressing this issue early this year.”
He said the Ministry acknowledges that the hospital currently lacks the essential infrastructure needed for a consistent and safe water supply.
“At present, patients, nurses, and doctors rely on nearby wells for their daily water needs,” he explained.
“However, these wells do not provide safe drinking water, posing health risks such as waterborne diseases. The dependence on inadequate sources has severely affected hygiene, sanitation, and overall healthcare delivery.”
Dr. Bosawai said the Ministry provided technical support to conduct a scoping survey, carried out by an RWASH engineer who assessed the hospital’s existing water system—from the water pump to the wards and staff housing.
“The assessment also evaluated the current water source, infrastructure, and supply capacity to determine the feasibility of upgrading the system to ensure an efficient and sustainable water supply,” he said.
He added that this assessment was completed in the first quarter of 2025, with funding support from Hon. George Tema, in collaboration with the hospital management and the Western New Georgia Constituency.
“As the Ministry responsible for health facilities, we will continue to pursue and progress this matter together with our partners and stakeholders,” Dr. Bosawai assured.
Meanwhile, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derrick Manuarii said the Munda Provincial Water Supply Project, being implemented by Solomon Water, is also expected to benefit Helena Goldie Hospital.
He said the project is designed to deliver safe and reliable piped water to Munda township and surrounding communities, including the hospital.
“The project involves construction of two new boreholes and a new reservoir for water storage,” Minister Manuarii said.
The project is managed by Solomon Water’s Project Management Unit under the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSP).
According to Minister Manuarii, preparatory work is ongoing, including drilling and testing of water sources, which is scheduled to commence later this month and continue until early November.
“The borehole testing will take about six weeks and will be carried out by local contractor Pacific Strata Limited,” he said.
He added that full implementation of the Munda water supply project is expected to begin in 2027, subject to the availability of donor funding.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
