Tasimboko people opens new health centre
By Alfred Pagepitu
After many years of waiting, the people of Tasimboko finally have a new health centre.
The historic ribbon cutting that was held today to open the new Tasimboko Rural Health Centre at Rarata, Northeast Guadalcanal was a dream come true for the Tasimboko communities after over 40 years.
The health centre will now provide safer maternal care, quicker treatment for illnesses, and immunization services.
Described by many as a lifeline, the health centre will now provide much needed health care and services to more than 10,000 people who usually overstretched the Good Samaritan Hospital in Zone 6.
Ribbon cutting to officially open the new health centre
In his remarks, Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu said the opening of the new health centre is truly historic not only for Tasimboko ward but for Northeast Guadalcanal Constituency.
“This clinic will protect mothers and children and ensure our people don’t have to travel far to access health services.
“Today marks a historic moment for the people of Tasimboko who have received their health facility to save lives during emergencies and provide healthcare for sick patients,” he said.
He said his government is committed to working closely with donor partners and the national government to provide health services to those in need.
Group photo
Community representative and former Prime Minister Dr. Dereck Sikua thanked Premier Atu and his government, donor partners, and the National government for successfully implementing the project.
“Since colonial days until today, for the first time we have facilities like this.
“We’ve been trying to establish health facilities here but obviously this has not happened,” he said.
He expressed the community’s relief of having a health centre at their doorstep.
He explained the health centre will also serve surrounding wards close to Northeast Guadalcanal as far as Ruavatu and Barande.
Tasimboko people preparing Chupu for the opening ceremony
Meanwhile, MPA for Tasimboko and Minister for Women, Youths, and Sports, Jimmy Saea urged landowning tribes, chiefs, and community leaders to work together to improve health services in Tasimboko.
Among the invited guests who witnessed the official opening are the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Robert Kaua, Guadalcanal Provincial Health Director, Dr. Ray Seleso, and officials.
The health centre cost $1.7 million funded under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund and the World Bank-supported Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Project.
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