On May 19th, 2026, two consultants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) completed safeguard and risk assessments at Gumine and Kilau Health Centres, reinforcing plans to redevelop the facilities into climate-resilient district hospitals.

Ms. Daniela Kraemer (Gender & Social Safeguards) and Ms. Dorothy Keyser Pais were received in Mt Hagen before traveling to Kundiawa. They joined the Simbu Provincial Health Authority (SiPHA) team led by Acting Director of Public Health Mr. Arnold Marme, Acting Director of Rural Health Services Mr. Jerry Kubu, and Technical Group Team Leader Mr. Mathew Kom. The delegation was escorted by police personnel from Mobile 08 for security.

The team visited Kilau Health Centre in Salt-Nomane District and Gumine Health Centre in Gumine District, following up on the earlier May 7th visit by ADB consultant Mr. Trevor Goulding. Their mission was to evaluate land sites, consult with health staff, and engage directly with local communities to ensure the project meets safeguard standards and remains risk-free.

Community feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Speaking on behalf of the Mian Tribe, Gumine Station Ward Councillor Hon. Daniel Kale expressed gratitude to ADB and SiPHA for prioritizing Gumine and Kilau, noting that the people are eager to embrace the redevelopment project and will provide full cooperation.

During the consultations, Ms. Daniela Kraemer confirmed that the project will be formally approved once all documents and assessments are completed and in place.

The consultants commended SiPHA management and technical staff for the well-coordinated consultations and the hospitality extended during their visit. SiPHA’s Board and Management also expressed appreciation to ADB’s Health Services Sector Development Program (HSSDP) Project Manager Mr. Rob Akers, Ms. Kraemer, Ms. Keyser, and the district health officers and staff in Gumine and Salt-Nomane.

SiPHA CEO Dr. Ken Kassi emphasized that partnerships such as these are vital to overcoming “last mile” challenges in Simbu’s southern corridors. He noted that the redevelopment of Gumine and Kilau facilities will significantly strengthen access to quality health services for rural communities once the project is approved and implemented.