A design of the new Navua Hospital with an estimated cost of US$3.5million, which will cover both the relocation and construction of related facilities is now completed.
In March last year, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama had talks with China’s Premier on the possibility of a grant to relocate the flood-prone Navua district’s hospital.
The main reason for relocation of the site was experiences of major flooding during heavy rain in Navua where the old hospital was affected.
There was also a feasibility study done last year for the Navua Hospital project assigned by the Chinese Government where the team visited Fiji to carry out on site study.
With assistance from the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Health and other government departments, the team completed its task following a month of intensive work.
The new Navua Hospital funded by the Chinese Government will have a construction area of over 3000 square meters and can house 22 beds at Naimelimeli about five minutes drive out of Navua Town towards Suva.
The main works will include an outpatient clinic, emergency clinic, medical technical rooms, inpatient rooms, administrative and supporting facilities.
Part of the Chinese help is the provision of certain medical equipments as well.
Development Cooperation and Facilitation deputy secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Eliki Bomani said the Fiji side would be responsible for leveling the site at Naimelimeli.
Once the site is leveled the Chinese contractors will come in and start building the hospital.
“The site leveling will happen in January (2011) once funds are available from the Ministry of Finance – the Ministry of Health is taking care of the site leveling costs,” Mr Bomani said.
At the moment all utilities are available and will be sourced to the construction site at Naimelimeli such as water, electricity and sewerage.
“All that has been provided on site last year. Right now we are preparing the site for construction,” Mr Bomani said.
Once completed, the new Navua Hospital will provide high-quality medical and health care for local residents in that area.
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