BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Minister for Health and Medical Service, (MHMS) Dr Paul Bosawai acknowledges Soltuna for assisting Helena Goldie hospital with a hybrid solar electric pumping system, which will help to ease the critical water issue faced by the hospital.
The Minister made the acknowledgement when responding to questions raised by Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale, on critical water issued faced by Helena Goldie hospital, when national parliament resumed yesterday.
“I want to sincerely acknowledge Soltuna for recently supporting Helena Goldie hospital by facilitating successful negotiation with the Solomon Islands Port Authority for a hybrid solar electric pumping system.
“This new system aims to replace the current direct pump. It will provide a more reliable, sustainable and cost-effective water supply for the hospital and for the people, staff at Munda and around the area,” he said.
Bosawai said these areas are economic in nature, and Helena Gold hospital in Western Province and Good Samaritan hospital in Guadalcanal supports some of the vibrant economic activities in the country.
“So, these two hospitals are quite important, and that’s why we’re looking at private-public partnership to support the hospital.
“For Helena, Soltuna kicks in. For Good Samaritan, GPPOL looks after the water system. So, I essentially acknowledge those companies that see that these hospital services are important to us.
“These steps taken by our stakeholders demonstrate the commitment to improving the hospital’s water infrastructure to ensure clean, consistent and sustainable water access,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Bosawai said the MHMS has conducted assessment, which include evaluating the current water source infrastructure and water supply capacity to determine the feasibility of upgrading the current system and ensuring an efficient and sustainable water supply to Helena Goldie hospital.
He said the work was conducted in the first quarter of 2025, and was made possible with their MP for West New Georgia and Vona Vona, who worked together with the management of the hospital management.
“Following the assessment survey done, a couple of actions have been done, and through pay-in-kind and through kind donation.
“This includes the provision of clean water to Helena Gouldie Hospital, provided by the super construction. However, there remains a need to increase water pressure to adequately supply the demand for the hospital,” Bosawai said.
He said the ministry is working closely with responsible line ministries and stakeholders to address the water issue faced by Helena Goldie Hospital.
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