CHINESE EXPERTS CONDUCT FEASIBILITY STUDIES ON NRH & WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES

A team of Chinese experts have recently conducted feasibility studies on two major construction projects regardless of the surge of covid-19 cases in Honiara city and other parts of the country.

The project feasibility study team are from the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design delegated by China International Development Cooperation Agency. The team consists of team leader Mr. Chen Yan, Architect Mr. Li Yikai, Economic engineer Mr. Meng Xu, and a translator Mr. Miao Xuwei.

The team departed from China for Solomon Islands on January 25, 2022, for the purpose of investigating the construction demands and existing facilities for two projects, the NRH upgrading and a water plant project for Solomon Water.

Within only 10 days, the feasibility team has completed more than 10 conversations, 6 site visits and investigations, 4 field surveys, and numerous email exchanges. It is with the strong support and selfless help of local and Chinese Embassy officials in Honiara that the team is able to carry out the work successfully and completed the investigation assignment on schedule.

The team arrived during the country’s most difficult time with the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rising.

But the team believes that with joint efforts of both China and Solomon Islands, the projects will provide support and boost to protect the health of Solomon Islands people and to promote economic development.

Upon arrival and serving 14 days with strict local quarantine procedures of Solomon Islands, the team immediately started field investigations on the two construction projects.

During investigation of the hospital project, the team discussed the design requirements and functional layout scheme with the CEO George W Malefoasi and Dr. Janella Solomon of the national referral hospital (NRH) on several occasions, and completed the site survey and geological research by pit excavation and analysis.

During investigation of the water plant project, the team discussed the water supply capacity and water quality treatment needs with Scravin Tongi, Chief Operating Officer of Solomon Water and his assistants, and conducted field investigation in the water source and construction land of the proposed water treatment plant as planned by Solomon Water.

After returning to China, the team will report the investigation results and collected data to the Chinese Government to pave the path for the commencement of the two projects.

ENDS///