$6.17m Colonial War Memorial Hospital upgrades begin to fix urgent infrastructure

Contractors have begun work on the first phase of urgent infrastructure upgrades at Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, with a total value of $6.17 million.

The Priority Infrastructure Programme (PIP), funded by Australia, will repair roofing, upgrade the acute patient ward with additional accessible bathrooms and staff rooms, and install a new 200,000-litre water tank with filtration systems.

Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts said the upgrades would improve water security across maternity, gynaecology, surgical, operating, general medical, medicine, and psychiatric wards.

“These upgrades will improve water security, sanitation, roofing integrity, and the clinical environment to deliver a safer, more reliable facility for patients and staff,” Mr Roberts said at the launch today at Novotel Suva.

“It’s a practical investment in community well-being.”

Mr Roberts also highlighted the use of local contractors, architects, and companies, noting that the project supports local jobs and skills development.

Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said the PIP allows urgent improvements while maintaining hospital services ahead of a broader master plan.

“The PIP identified areas that needed immediate attention, such as roofing, storage, and washroom improvements,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

“We also have to enhance our fire hazard capabilities within the hospital.”

He added that the upgrades will ensure functionality and continuity at CWM while planners finalise the next phase of improvements.

The infrastructure work complements Australia’s $7.4 million annual commitment over five years to strengthen Fiji’s health systems, including medical supply chain management and services for non-communicable diseases and sexual and reproductive health.

Mr Roberts acknowledged there will be some disruption during construction but said contractors are coordinating closely with hospital staff to minimise operational impacts.

Additional upgrade phases will follow this initial work.

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