Lalabalavu defends progress as MP's question hospital site near sewer plant

Concerns have been raised in Parliament over the location of Fiji’s proposed super-speciality hospital in Nasinu, after Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj questioned why the facility is to be built beside the Kinoya Sewer Treatment Plant, where strong and unpleasant odours are common.

In response, Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the site was selected by the Government of India, which is funding the project.

He also confirmed that Fiji has fulfilled its obligations for the hospital, including the allocation of land, and that work will proceed once the Government of India completes its internal processes.

Lalabalavu adds that progress on major hospital developments continues, with site clearance for the new rehabilitation hospital in Tamavua now complete and the project moving into the preparatory phase for KOICA to begin construction.

He says KOICA has already advanced into its tendering stage.

He says significant planning work is also underway for upgrades or possible redevelopment of CWM Hospital, supported by a DFAT-funded master plan that will determine whether Fiji should expand the existing structure or build a new facility.

While long-term decisions are being finalised, Dr Lalabalavu says immediate measures are being taken to ensure CWM maintains essential functions such as water supply, fire safety and facility integrity.

Responding to further questions from Opposition MP Virendra Lal about the disused CWM maternity unit site, now used as a car park, the Minister says plans by the previous government were halted due to COVID-19, and that the master plan will guide how the space is utilised in future.

Lalabalavu says hospital development projects remain a priority, with planning, assessments and international partnerships shaping the future of Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure.