Future Engineers Visit Naha Worksite!
Media release
Fourteen students from the Solomon Islands National University say they’re feeling inspired after visiting the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre worksite - a flagship health infrastructure project under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership.
For many of the civil engineering students, it was their first experience on a large-scale construction site, sparking their ambition to work on future Solomon Islands infrastructure projects.
Second year students Annie Ata and Trevor Ngatonga said the onsite experience was an eye-opener.
“So much planning and teamwork goes into a project like this,” Ms Ata said. “I’m feeling more confident now about my future.” While Mr Ngatonga said he looked forward to being a part of such projects in the future.
SINU lecturer Joash Sanga, said the site visit helped students connect what is being taught in the classroom to real-world outcomes.
“These visits really help students to understand how quality engineering works within a project, and how that can directly improve people’s lives.”
The students were briefed on the site layout of the modern new health centre, looking at drainage and water management, work site safety, and quality controls.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, praised the visit for exposing the students to the workings of a majority Solomon Islands workforce delivering a large, technical project while maintaining Australia’s focus on quality and safety. “It’s so fantastic to see these students engaged in building their country and their future,” Mr Hilton said.
“Meeting the local workers on site, and learning how they are delivering high quality infrastructure, we’re inspiring a new generation to lead the development of Solomon Islands.”
“I encourage these bright young men and women in their studies, and hope to see them on Australian-supported projects in the years to come!”
The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre is currently on schedule to open in the New Year, offering high quality birthing, and maternal and child health care. The centre features large, private birthing suites and cool, climate-friendly family spaces and services such as medical imaging (X-Ray) and outpatients.
Australia is also supporting regular planning meetings to ensure the centre is ready for immediate operation upon handover. This includes procuring modern, high quality and appropriate medical equipment, and ensuring staff training and upskilling is being undertaken.
High Commissioner Hilton said the Naha project was a picture of partnership, with Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the National Referral Hospital and Honiara City Council Health and Medical Services teams all working together to ensure a high standard of care was delivered from day one.
"Through the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership, we’re not just building a health centre, we’re building skills, confidence, and a stronger future Solomon Islands".
