Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, applauded the commendable effort that the Fiji Contingent of the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF) towards the restoration of the Burns Creek Community Health Centre.

The PM made these comments at the opening of the Health Centre last week and was extremely delighted.

He thanked the commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Asaeli Toanikeve and his team for successfully completing the project.

The Health Centre was a project of the East Honiara constituency to the people of Burns Creek and was started in 2010.

The member for East Honiara constituency, Douglas Ete, in his speech quoted the late President Robert Mugabe “Man is the most abundant valuable resource on earth, yet he is the most difficult to govern”.

Hon PM, Hon Dougls Ete and Mr Masi cutting the ribbon for the official opening. Photo: RFMF Media Cell

How RFMF Took Over Project

The project had failed because of disagreements and mismanagement within the community and so was left unfinished until the Fijians arrived.

“What you have done is something of no small measure and I personally believe that the Fijian Regiment to the Solomon Islands is the only intervention force to have worked closely with a ruthless community,” Douglas Ete said.

The project was left untouched and stripped down for over a decade until the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) contingent started engaging with the Burns Creek community.

Handover of Center from Lt Col Toanikeve to Director Health Dr Joel Dante. Photo: RFMF Media Cell

RFMF Works

Lieutenant-Colonel Asaeli Toanikeve and his men, a team of 14 personnel, began the works of cleaning the building and the immediate restoration works.

Lieutenant-Colonel in his introductory speech said: “The refurbished Burns Creek Health Centre will of course add value to the capability and capacity of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught meaningful lessons on our durability, strength and resolve, especially the ability of our health system and facilities to offer mitigation measures and this Grade B Health Centre will surely add depth and value to the government in future pandemics.”

Lt Col Toanikeve delivering his speech. Photo: RFMF Media Cell

“Apart from the dental services, I can assure all of you that the following services will be available immediately after its official opening: General Practice, Maternal Child Health Ward, Public Health Services, Emergency Outpatients, General Outpatients Clinic; and Pharmaceutical Services.”

He also paid special tribute towards the sponsors of the clinic who contributed to over $1 million SBD to see this project completed.

The sustainability and logistics/administration support towards the Burns Creek Health Centre was covered in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Youth with a Mission and Mustard Seed International which was also signed on the opening day.

This will ensure the sustainability of the health centre when it carries out its services for the community.

First patient of the Burns Creek Health Centre. Photo: RFMF Media Cell

A Legacy

Mr Sogavare in his speech, continued to thank the commanding officer and his team for successfully completing the project.

“Lieutenant-Colonel Asaeli Toanikeve, I am sure that this health centre was not part of your planning and thinking when you left Fiji to help us,” he said.

“However, when you and your contingent leave our shores, you will have left behind a legacy of empowerment, and people centred approaches that heal hurts, enhance forgiveness, and creates trust even where one may think that these are difficult.

“I pay tribute to you and to the Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces for this project that will contribute to the long-lasting peace and stability in the Solomon Islands,” the PM said in his closing remarks.

Source: RFMF Media Cell

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