SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT FUNDED SBD 22.6 MILLION TARO HOSPITAL REHABILITATION PROJECT GROUND-BREAKING

The Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Honourable Rolland Seleso, together with the Premier of Choiseul Province, Honourable Harrison Pitakaka, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Honourable Wayne Ghemu, Choiseul Province Health Minister Honourable Thomas Rosu and Solomon Sheet Steel contractor representative Mr. Neil Buendia, today launched the soft groundbreaking of the Solomon Islands Government-funded SBD 22.6 million Taro Hospital Rehabilitation Project in Taro, Choiseul Province.

The soft launch groundbreaking ceremony in Taro was a significant and memorable highlight for the community, follows the official celebration of Choiseul Province’s 35^th Second Appointed Day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil said the launch marks a pivotal moment for everyone gathered to witness and celebrate the commencement of the Taro Hospital Rehabilitation and Improvement Project.

“As you will note, the improvement of this facility has been long overdue for a very long time for almost 20 years no major facelifts has been made. Thus, the growing population around Taro and its surrounding rural areas felt the absence of an adequate medical facility and the need for accessible healthcare became increasingly evident as both local community members often find themselves traveling long distances to Gizo for medical care.

“Today, we celebrate the beginning to fulfil that need. The current hospital infrastructure with its ageing buildings and inefficient layout, poses numerous challenges from maintenance issues to overcrowded departments to unsafe environment conditions for both patients and healthcare workers. The need for improvement is evident and therefore it is our hope that the improvement and refurbishment of this Taro Hospital will aim to address these challenges to at least modernise facility, enhance departmental synergy, and expand and upgrade critical care services, which would further elevate the hospital’s status and capabilities”, said Mrs. McNeil.

Hon. Rolland Seleso, Provincial Minister, in his keynote address, said he was honoured to be part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Taro Hospital Rehabilitation Project. He reiterated that the rehabilitation and renovation of Taro Hospital had been in the pipeline for many years.

“Therefore, as we gather here today, I assure you that the long wait is finally over and that this groundbreaking ceremony will soon be followed by the mobilization of materials and personnel by the contractor to commence demolition and construction of the new facility. As we have just celebrated Choiseul Province’s 35th Second Appointed Day, I urge the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to ensure that this project gets off the ground as soon as possible. If everything goes according to plan, the project should be 70 percent, or ideally 100 percent, complete when the province celebrates its 36th Second Appointed Day in 2027,” said Minister Seleso.

He stated that the island of Choiseul had no provincial hospital when it was under Western Province following the country’s independence. At that time, the only hospital in Choiseul was located in Sasamunga and was owned by the United Church. When Choiseul separated from Western Province in 1991 to become an independent province, the old cement building that still stands today served as an Area Health Centre for the province.

“The old cement building that is still standing here today once served as the province’s Area Health Centre. However, due to the need for a hospital-level facility in the newly established provincial capital, medical officers were deployed to Taro to provide clinical services, although the facility continued to function as an AHC. As a province, Choiseul needs a fully functioning general hospital equipped with diagnostic services such as a medical laboratory, X-ray, and scan. It should also have an operating theatre where minor and emergency surgeries can be performed, supported by qualified professionals capable of delivering hospital-level care. Primary health care clinics across Choiseul require a fully functional provincial hospital to refer patients who need a higher level of care,” said Minister Seleso.

He revealed that the first Taro Hospital, which is now in need of replacement, was commissioned in 2003. The project was initiated by an Australian doctor, Dr. Chris Miller, who recognized the need for the province to have its own hospital while working in Taro.

Through Dr. Miller’s connections back in Australia, he was able to secure funds for the project and equipment for the new hospital. Communities around Taro also supported the plan by providing timbers and labour.

“As we embark on the renovation and construction of a new facility to replace the current aging Taro Hospital, let us acknowledge the contribution Dr Miller’s work and communities who have contributed towards the original Taro Hospital. Therefore, despite its current deteriorating state, the old facility, which will soon be demolished, has saved many lives for which we should be grateful for”, said Minister Seleso.

He added that as the main buildings of the current Taro Hospital deteriorated, some services had to be closed while others were scaled down. During this period, Sasamunga Hospital stepped in to admit patients requiring hospital-level care, including tuberculosis patients. In fact, Sasamunga Hospital has been providing such care to the people of Choiseul even before independence and continues to play a vital role in delivering health services in the province.

Minister Seleso therefore thanked the United Church for allowing Sasamunga Hospital to serve as a backup facility while services at Taro Hospital were reduced, and for its continued commitment to the people of Choiseul.

“Once completed, the new facility will offer the full range of services that have not been available for many years. This includes: (1) renovation and refurbishment of the general wards, extension of the operating theatre, and construction of a new administration block; and (2) renovation and refurbishment of the old outpatient and clinical block.”

Minister Seleso added that the project will be managed by the Infrastructure Unit of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Solomon Sheet Steel Construction Limited has been awarded the contract to execute and complete the project within 18 months.

He concluded that the Taro Hospital groundbreaking is not just an event, but an assurance that the long wait is now over, bringing renewed progress and hope for improved health care delivery in Choiseul Province. With its improved design, modern equipment, and enhanced access to health services, the new hospital will stand as a testament to what can be achieved when national priorities align with community aspirations. As the old structures come down and a new Taro Hospital rises, it carries with it the shared aspiration for a healthier and more prosperous future for women, children, and all who will access its services once the facility is completed.

Meanwhile, the Premier of Choiseul Province, Honourable Harrison Pitakaka, thanked the National Government and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services on behalf of the people of Choiseul Province for the long-awaited project. He highlighted that the soft launch gives hope to the people of Choiseul, noting that once the project is completed, they will have access to improved health services.

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In photo: Health Permanent Secretary and MHMS Executive team together with Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Choiseul Provincial Health Director and team and the Solomon Sheet Steel Contractor representative

Minister for Provincial Government Honourable Rolland Seleso sharing hie keynote address at the ground-breaking ceremony.

Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Health Permanent Secretary sharing her remarks at the event.

Choiseul Provincial Premier Honourable Harrison Pitakaka sharing his address at the ground breaking

Choiseul Provincial Health Director Mr. William Tiba

Guests and officials seated at the event

Minister for Provincial Government Hon. Rolland Seleso was greeted by the Taro dancers

In photo from left to right: Chief Harrison Makodo, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Choiseul Province Premier Hon. Harrison Pitakaka and Provincial Member for Ward 1 Wagina Honourable Tongoua Tabe