Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew Inspects Construction of New Climate-Smart Hospital
Land Clearing Commences for Soil Testing and Environmental Assessments
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, paid a visit to the site of the new climate-smart J. N. France General Hospital on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, where the land is being cleared to facilitate soil testing and other environmental assessments.
Accompanied by Special Advisor to the Government, Ambassador His Excellency Leon Natta-Nelson, Prime Minister Dr. Drew reiterated the urgent need for the construction of a climate-resilient medical facility, amidst the growing challenges posed by climate change.
“The reason why we have chosen this as our first major project is because we know that with the scourge of climate change and stronger hurricanes, we must have a hospital that can withstand that,” Dr. Drew said.
The health minister referenced the significant damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in July of this year to the health infrastructures of Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
“We cannot afford to have that happen here in St. Kitts and Nevis. So if a hurricane hits we have to make sure that if there is one infrastructure that should be standing, it should be the hospital and that is why we have made this a major project,” he said.
Project Progress and Timeline
Meanwhile, Ambassador Natta-Nelson noted that work continues on the capital project following the signing of the necessary contracts in May, 2024.
He explained that the lands are being cleared now “because we want to get to the soil for testing to make sure that we can give the soil analysis to the architects to ensure that they establish a proper hospital that is resilient enough to withstand category five hurricanes and any natural disasters that may come along.”
International Cooperation and Funding
The construction of the new hospital is a cooperation project between the Governments of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan). Prime Minister Dr. Drew and Ambassador Natta-Nelson again extended their gratitude to the Taiwan government for the financial and technical assistance offered for the successful buildout of this project.
Conclusion
The construction of the new climate-smart hospital is a vital step in ensuring the health and well-being of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. The project’s focus on resilience and sustainability will enable the hospital to withstand the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring that it remains a vital lifeline for the community.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the new hospital?
+ The new hospital is being built to provide a climate-resilient medical facility that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.
* What is the timeline for the project?
+ Work on the project commenced in May, 2024, and is expected to continue until completion.
* Who is funding the project?
+ The project is a cooperation between the Governments of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan), with financial and technical assistance being provided by the Taiwan government.