BY NED GAGAHE
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka, on Friday, signed an amended Grant Agreement for the Kilu’ufi Hospital Expansion Project with the Ambassador of Japan to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Keiichi Higuchi.
The original Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the improvement and expansion of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province was signed in June 2023, with Japan providing an initial grant of 2.011 billion yen (SBD $120 million).
However, due to global price escalations and the depreciation of the Japanese yen, work on installing medical equipment and facilities was suspended following the project’s commencement in October 2024.
The amended agreement now provides additional grant aid to resume the suspended components of the project. An additional 356 million yen (SBD $20 million) has been allocated, bringing the total project value to 2.367 billion yen (SBD $130 million).
Minister Agovaka expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continued support and emphasized the significance of this collaboration.
“I am so honored to have you all here this morning to witness the signing of the amended Grant Agreement regarding the Kilu’ufi Hospital Expansion Project. Excellency, such a kind gesture shown by the Government of Japan is again one of those obvious indicators of the unwavering friendship between our two countries.
“Allow me to express our heartfelt and deepest acknowledgement and appreciation to the Government of Japan for the invaluable support extended to the Solomon Islands over the years,” Minister Agovaka said.
The Minister further highlighted that once completed, Kilu’ufi Hospital will serve at least 24% of the country’s population. He added that Kilu’ufi is the only public hospital in Malaita Province, which is the most densely populated province in the country.
“Given its accessibility by boats and aircraft, patients from neighboring provinces can also opt to seek medical treatments and services there once the Kilu’ufi Hospital Expansion Project is completed,” Agovaka said.
Ambassador Higuchi also expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in advancing the project and reaffirmed Japan’s continued commitment to the Solomon Islands.
He stated that the recent visit by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to the hospital site, noting that it reflects the enthusiasm surrounding the initiative.
“Although I have not yet traveled to Malaita Province, I would like to visit the hospital and explore Malaita at an early opportunity. This project responds to the calls made by Prime Minister Hon. Manele during the Tenth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) held last year in Japan.
“Lastly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have been working for this project, including officials of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, officials of the Malaita Provincial Government, staff at Kilu’ufi, consultants, and contractors,” Ambassador Higuchi said.
The newly improved Kilu’ufi Hospital is set to open next year.
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