The Australian High Commission has addressed misinformation regarding the ongoing upgrade projects at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, confirming that crucial improvement initiatives are currently in progress. In January of the previous year, Australia pledged $14.5 million to facilitate urgent enhancements at CWM while Fiji is in the process of designing a new national referral hospital.
The High Commission noted that it is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, as well as the staff at CWM Hospital, to identify and prioritize urgent healthcare needs. Local architects and engineers have been enlisted to assess the projects, and local contractors are executing the work.
Currently, the first phase of upgrades, which amounts to $6.7 million, is actively underway. This phase includes essential roofing repairs at both CWM Hospital and St Giles Hospital, scheduled to take place from December 2025 to May 2026. Additionally, significant improvements are being made to acute patient wards, which will see the installation of more bathrooms, enhanced accessibility features, upgraded pantries, staff rooms, multifunctional spaces, and sluice rooms. These enhancements are projected to be completed between January and June 2026.
To bolster water security at the facility, a new 200,000-litre water tank, equipped with filtration and pump systems, is also part of the upgrades. Sewer remediation efforts at the Maternity Building are presently ongoing, with completion expected in mid-2026.
Planning for the second phase of upgrades, estimated at $7.8 million, is also in progress in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and CWM Hospital management. Further updates are anticipated as the project evolves.
These improvements are integral to the Vuvale Partnership between Australia and Fiji, which aims to strengthen essential services, support local communities, and enhance the overall resilience of the health system. Through these initiatives, the Australian High Commission is demonstrating its commitment to the health and well-being of the Fijian population, fostering a brighter future for the country’s healthcare services.
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