Construction Materials for Shortlands – Choiseul Quarantine Stations

Construction materials to upgrade Quarantine Stations in Choiseul and Shortland Islands has been shipped fortnight ago.

The Government through the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) – Camp Management Sector and Infrastructure Sector with support from Provincial Disaster Operations Committees (P-DOC) team secured the sites after dialogue with the facility owners.

National Disaster Council (NDC) in its recent situational report clarified that upgrading work should commence soon.

For Western Province, an additional 3 sites has been identified: Nusatupe Island Guesthouse, Noro Lodge were outsourced by the government under special arrangement which Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) project have undertaken the renovation works since last month and nearing completion. In the Shortlands, initial assessment identified Nila dormitory for the quarantine site, however recent cost analysis and hazard risk saw the proposed site being shifted to the adjacent site-Takuho Bungalows at Tuha. Minor repairs and heightening of the beach bungalows should commence soon.

Only Gizo Hotel is operational and so far accommodated few border crossers since the declaration of Western border as Emergency Zone in March.

There are two sites for Choiseul Province: Supizae Beach Bungalow and the Provincial Rest House. Construction work is scheduled to commence soon.

“The proposed stations are existing facilities which requires minor renovation works and repurposing to suit their use for quarantining purposes as recommended by Health Authorities.

“Now that materials are delivered to both islands, construction headed by Infrastructure Sector Committee of P-DOC of both provinces’ should have the facilities upgraded and in readiness to accommodate any western border crossers,” the NDC statement said.

The Government remains committed by stepping up its multi-sectoral agency response and preparedness activities in Shortland Islands, Choiseul and the Malaita Outer Islands.

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Noro Lodge

Taro Provincial Resthouse

Supizae