Renovation, repair, and refurbishment work on the Taro Provincial Hospital in Choiseul Province is expected to commence this year.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed the development during a press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on Monday.
PM Manele said the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) responded to the urgent need following a visit to the hospital by Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia and Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Wyane Ghemu, during the Choiseul Province 2nd Appointed Day celebration on 25 February 2025.
During the visit, the leaders witnessed the deteriorated state of the hospital and took immediate action, presenting a case to Cabinet to urgently mobilize resources for its renovation.
“As a result, my government has submitted a funding request to a development partner to support the upgrade of the Taro Provincial Hospital, with an estimated cost of SBD $19 million,” PM Manele said. “We anticipate work to commence this year.”
In addition, the Prime Minister announced that the Cabinet has elevated the Choiseul Bay Township Project to the status of a national project.
“The time has come to demonstrate unity and transformation. We must walk the talk,” he said. “We must come together as one people to build our country.”
PM Manele added that GNUT will adopt the same approach taken in Choiseul Province for other upcoming 2nd Appointed Day events in provinces throughout the year.
He said that beginning this year, prior to each provincial visit, an advance team will be dispatched to assess the progress of previous commitments and identify new priorities with provincial leaders.
This, he explained, will ensure the Prime Minister or his delegate can provide meaningful updates on GNUT’s actions and announce any new commitments during the events.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
