THE proposed $1.5 million new maternity ward to be constructed at the Sigatoka Sub-Divisional hospital received a huge boost from the Tappoo Group of Companies on Friday.
The company has agreed to assist the new construction with a $12,000 worth of kinds to be used once the hospital is in operation.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Coral Coast Hoteliers Association, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji general manager Peter Hopgood thanked the Tappoo Group for their support towards this worthy cause.
"It's a wonderful thing what the Tappoo Group of companies have done to our maternity ward at the Sigatoka Hospital," Mr Hopgood said.
"Basically, what we are trying to do is to bring our business houses, hotels and the whole communities and work together with the government and hopefully we will get this construction started by next year.
"The donation will be used once the new building is opened and it's going to be available to purchase things that will be required inside the hospital, in our refrigeration and electric goods and other stuff."
Mr Hopgood said the new health facility would benefit the people of Nadroga, hotel workers and tourists.
"We employ a lot of staff at the Coral Coast, many are women. For instance, 60 of my girls at the resort are going to have babies this year and likewise for the 600 babies per year born at the Sigatoka District hospital.
"So we need to improve the facilities not only for locals but also for tourists.
"A lot of people don't realise that some years back, the hoteliers built a new emergency ward at Sigatoka and we are responsible for that because that is where our guests go to when they need health assistance. We as hoteliers, we are passionate about what we do for our community and we have shown this over the years."