Work is underway to strengthen Mauke Hospital against the impacts of climate change, as part of a major programme to build more resilient health facilities across the Cook Islands.
A dedication held on Mauke recently marked the commencement of works at the hospital under the Akamatutu’anga To Tatou Ora’anga Meitaki (ATOM) project – “Building a healthy and resilient Cook Islands Community – one block at a time.”
The gathering brought together traditional leaders, the Member of Parliament for Mauke, Mauke Island Government, members of the local community, Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO) staff and the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC).
The Mauke works will include a complete upgrade of the main hospital roof, replacement guttering to improve rainwater collection, improvements to storage facilities to provide more reliable storage during emergencies, and interior upgrades including improved disability bathroom facilities and easier access.
Climate-resilient materials will be incorporated into the work, with plans also including solar power infrastructure.
The works are expected to be completed in December.
The Mauke Hospital upgrade forms part of the USD $13.4 million ATOM project, comprising a USD $12.5 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and USD $888,100 in co-financing.
ATOM is the Cook Islands’ first direct GCF country project and will reach all 12 inhabited islands – Rarotonga and 11 Pa Enua – supporting approximately 30 communities and 22 health facilities or emergency centres.
Mauke is the pilot subproject for the wider ATOM programme, with the work undertaken and lessons learned there providing a foundation for the rollout of projects across the other Pa Enua.
Secretary of Health Bob Williams said the Mauke project demonstrated the importance of ensuring essential health infrastructure was able to continue serving communities in the face of a changing climate.
“The availability of reliable and resilient health services in the Pa Enua, particularly during and following severe weather events, is critical.”
CIIC Chief Executive Allan Jensen said the project was about making practical investments now that would strengthen essential infrastructure for years to come.
“The Mauke works are a practical example of climate resilience. Investment in roofs, water collection, energy and emergency storage protects both the asset and the community it serves.
“Importantly, Mauke is the pilot subproject for the broader ATOM programme. The experience gained here will provide a strong foundation as we roll out this work across the other Pa Enua, allowing us to build on what works and apply those lessons to each island community.”
Mauke Island Administration Executive Officer Nooroa Numanga said the commencement of work was welcomed by the island community.
“Our hospital is important to everyone on Mauke and these improvements give our community greater confidence that it will be there when we need it and for generations to come”.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) is the Accredited Entity for the ATOM project, with Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health and CIIC serving as Executing Agencies.
CIIC Executing Agency Project Coordinator Cain Rakanui and TMO Executing Agency Project Manager Anna Tiraa are working with island administrations and communities to coordinate delivery of the programme. The Mauke upgrade is part of a wider programme designed to strengthen the resilience of health and emergency infrastructure across the Cook Islands, particularly the ability of communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from climate-related events.
