Japan Commits to Infrastructure Development in Malaita Province
The Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki, has reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to infrastructure development in Malaita Province. During his speech yesterday, in celebration of Malaita Province’s 41st…
The Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki, has reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to infrastructure development in Malaita Province.
During his speech yesterday, in celebration of Malaita Province’s 41st Second Appointed Day, Mr. Yoshiaki expressed his happiness that Japan is playing a role in developing infrastructure in the province.
“I am indeed delighted to stand here and celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the Second Appointed Day together with all of you,” Mr. Yoshiaki said.
He noted that Japan established diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands in 1978, the same year the country gained independence. Since then, Japan has contributed to the development of essential infrastructure such as ports, roads, and airports.
A key element in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries has been the work of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), also known as JICA volunteers, who have been active at the grassroots level across various parts of Solomon Islands.
Mr. Yoshiaki highlighted that the first JOCVs were deployed to Malaita in 1979, just a year after Solomon Islands’ independence. He noted that the JOCV program in Solomon Islands began in Malaita, and to date, a total of 70 JOCV members have been dispatched to the province, contributing to its development in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, vocational training, healthcare, and education.
“Today, I would like to mention the project for the improvement of Kilu’ufi Hospital,” he said.
“The Solomon Islands’ Development Strategy (2016-2035) identifies the need to rebuild aging local hospitals as a priority for quality healthcare services. The Health Sector Strategic Plan (2016-2020) also emphasizes improving health and strengthening prevention by expanding community health services and improving healthcare quality. This plan specifically identifies Kilu’ufi Hospital, established in 1967, as a priority.”
The hospital improvement project will focus on enhancing the Central Clinical Department, Delivery Department, and basic infrastructure like water supply and stable electricity, preparing the hospital for future expansion.
Mr. Yoshiaki stressed the importance of establishing a strong medical service system in Malaita, the most populous province in Solomon Islands. This would allow residents to receive proper medical care within their province, without needing to travel to Honiara.
“The medical infrastructure project, along with other key initiatives, will provide the foundation for robust and sustainable development in Malaita,” he added.
He also mentioned other significant projects, including the Project for Strengthening Malaria Control Systems (Phase 2), the Project for Construction of a Market and Jetty in Auki, the Project for Improvement of Water Supply Systems in Honiara and Auki, the Project on Capacity Development for Sustainable Forest Resource Management in Solomon Islands, and the Project for Promotion of Regional Initiatives on Solid Waste Management (J-PRISM 3).
Under the Grassroots Grant, 45 projects have either been completed or are in progress, focusing on the construction of school buildings, water supply systems, vocational training centers, clinics, and more.
“I have visited Malaita several times since I arrived in Solomon Islands at the end of April 2022, and I strongly hope that this province, with its rich human and natural resources, will grow together with the other eight provinces,” Mr. Yoshiaki concluded.
