BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Plan for the construction of a permanent health clinic to replace the burnt-down New Tenabuti Health Clinic is underway, with a new site identified, said Guadalcanal Provincial Health Director Dr Ray Seleso.
He told this paper yesterday that the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Authority has confirmed that the New Tenabuti Health Clinic in Paripao Ward in North East Guadalcanal was deliberately burned down on the night of December 26, 2025.
He said that this was a criminal act of arson linked to ongoing land disputes and rising tensions associated with mining prospecting in the area.
The fire destroyed the clinic and all medical equipment, leaving communities in Paripao Ward without essential health services.
“We confirmed via investigation reports from Guadalcanal Province (GP) Law Enforcement team that there is no evidence of accidental causes, with witness accounts confirming suspicious activity and individuals fleeing the scene shortly before the fire erupted. The suspect has been arrested and is in custody,” Seleso said.
He also condemned the act of violence and the blatant disregard for a vital public health facility in the strongest terms, saying that such actions directly harm vulnerable communities and undermine public welfare.
He said that the clinic previously served as the primary health facility for surrounding villages, providing maternal and child health services, immunisation, outpatient care, and emergency treatment.
“In response, the GP Health team visited the community on December 30 2025 and confirmed an immediate plan to restore health services. In the immediate Restoration Plan, an incomplete, newly constructed building, owned by a local community member, has been voluntarily offered for use as a temporary health clinic.
“Architectural redesign and planning have been completed, and procurement of building materials is scheduled for this week. The temporary clinic is expected to commence operations towards the end of January 2026,” Seleso said.
He said that the repurposing of the building will be funded by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) through the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Grant, ensuring continuity of essential health services while long-term reconstruction plans are developed.
“Planning for the construction of a permanent health clinic is already underway. All future health facilities will require a proper land acquisition process and formal registration with GP Health, including the New Tenabuti clinic, to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he said.
He said that community members are advised to seek health services at Numbu Clinic or Good Samaritan Hospital until temporary services are operational.
Photo: Supplied
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