Construction Materials Sent for Shortland-Choiseul Quarantine Stations

Construction materials to upgrade Quarantine Stations in Choiseul and Shortland Islands has been shipped a fortnight ago.

The National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) is being supported by the Camp Management Sector and the Infrastructure Sector to implement the building project. They are also being supported by the Provincial Disaster Operations Committees (P-DOC) team who helped to secure the sites after dialogue with the facility owners.

The National Disaster Council (NDC), in its recent situational report, clarified that work to upgrade the sites will commence soon.

For Western Province Nusatupe Island Guesthouse and Noro Lodge were identified after assessments were made on its suitability. Renovation work is being done by the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) project and is nearing completion.

In Shortland, an initial assessment identified Nila dormitory for the quarantine site, but that has now been shifted to another site based on further assessment on the suitability of the dormitories. Takuho Bungalows at Tuha is now the new quarantine site, minor repairs on some of the beach bungalows will commence soon.

To date only Gizo Hotel is operational and has so far accommodated border crossers since the declaration of Western border as Emergency Zone in March.

The two sites for Choiseul Province are Supizae Beach Bungalow and the Provincial Rest House. Construction work is scheduled to commence soon.

“The proposed stations are existing facilities which requires minor renovation works and repurposing to suit their use for quarantining purposes as recommended by Health Authorities.

“Now that materials are delivered to both islands, construction headed by Infrastructure Sector Committee of P-DOC of both provinces’ will ensure facilities are upgraded to accommodate any western border crossers,” the NDC statement said.

The Government remains committed by stepping up its multi-sectoral agency response and preparedness activities in Shortland Islands, Choiseul and the Malaita Outer Islands.

Source: NDC