The Australian High Commission has moved to correct what it says is “incorrect information” circulating online about the upgrade works underway at Suva’s Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, outlining the funding commitments and projects currently in progress.
In a statement on social media, the High Commission said Australia had committed FJD $14.5 million (AUD $10 million) in January 2025 to support critical upgrades at CWM Hospital while Fiji progresses plans for a new national referral hospital.
“Working closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and CWM Hospital staff, Australia has prioritised urgent works, engaged local architects and engineers to scope the projects, and contracted local companies to deliver them,” the statement said.
The mission detailed projects now underway valued at FJD $6.7 million, including:
-Roofing repairs at CWM and St Giles Hospitals (December 2025 – May 2026)
-Improvements to acute patient wards, including more bathrooms, better accessibility, upgraded pantry and staff facilities (January – June 2026)
-Installation of a new 200,000-litre water tank with filtration and pump systems (January – June 2026)
-Sewer remediation at the CWM maternity building (January – June 2026)
Planning has also begun for a second phase valued at FJD $7.8 million, to be finalised in partnership with the Ministry of Health and CWM Hospital.
The High Commission said the upgrades are part of the broader Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia, aimed at strengthening essential services and improving community resilience.
