FOUNDATIONS BEGIN FOR NAHA BIRTHING AND URBAN HEALTH CENTRE
Major earthworks at the new SBD $250 million Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara are now complete, with the pouring of concrete foundations commencing over the weekend.
Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton said he was delighted with the progress of major milestones at Solomon Islands’ first Urban Health Centre.
“The Naha project is well and truly underway,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“And I’m excited for the mothers and community who will soon benefit from a facility that is built to last, built for easy maintenance, and fitted out with modern equipment.”
At a community leaders’ meeting last week, Naha Clinic and community representatives were briefed about the rapid works taking place on site by contractor Reeves ICON.
“Close engagement with community leaders, nurses and health officials has been an ongoing feature of this project,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“We’re extremely grateful for the full support and ongoing cooperation of everyone involved including new community representative Jennifer Augwata, who joins Robert Pisu and John Misibini.”
“Their work is critical to our partnership approach and seeing this modern health facility operating as soon as possible.”
Contractor Reeves ICON said they were making daily visits to surrounding houses to keep the community up to date and respond to any concerns.
“A water truck is helping to manage dust by spraying water on the road and around the construction site twice daily,” said Philippa Ramofafia, a locally engaged community liaison officer employed by Reeves ICON.
“Nurses are also being kept fully informed so that the existing Clinic can remain open and safe for mothers and their children.”
Construction of the 22-bed health facility has employed over 40 local workers so far, including four women.
“Wherever possible Australia’s infrastructure program is looking for ways to maximise local jobs, ensuring that it’s Solomon Islanders building Solomon Islands’ economic and social infrastructure.”
The Centre is set to significantly improve health outcomes for Solomon Islanders, providing first class birthing, ante and post-natal services for women, as well as eye, dental, pathology, x-ray and ultrasound and pharmacy services to the community.
“The use of quality construction materials will make the building resilient to earthquakes and Solomon Islands’ climate,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“In short, this will be a durable health facility symbolising Australia’s enduring partnership with Solomon Islands.”
Construction is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026, with planning now underway for a range of post-handover maintenance and operational support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Honiara City Council.
ENDS//
-AHCSI
