MID left to bear major infrastructure development challenges following slashed budget allocation
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s (MID) biggest challenge this year is limited budget allocation to cater for the the ministry’s infrastructure development programme, particularly road rehabilitation.
Despite the constraint, the ministry continues to receive support from its development partners, including CAUSE, SIRAP, LMCP, PRC and DFAT, whose ongoing assistance has significantly contributed to the ministry’s work.
Speaking at MID’s first press conference for the year, MID Minister Ricky Fuo’o highlighted the issue and the impact it has on the ministry’s programmes.
“I want to stress that budget constraints remain one of the biggest issues for MID. With a development budget of $140 million, it is not enough to fix all the roads in the country,” he said.
The minister told media that MID had initially submitted a budget proposal of $280 million last year, which was later slashed to $120 million.
He said the ministry pushed for an increase and was granted an additional $20 million, bringing the total development budget to $140 million.
However, Minister Fuo’o said the allocation is still insufficient, especially with outstanding commitments, noting that about 40 percent of the budget is tied up in ongoing projects.
“That leaves MID with only about $100 million to carry out work this year, which remains one of the biggest hindrances for the ministry,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for MID, Allen Lilia said the ministry’s focus for this year is road improvement and maintenance, and acknowledged the crucial role played by development partners in supporting infrastructure development across the country.
He said under MID’s development programme, road projects are being implemented through the Economic Infrastructure Project and the National Transport Fund (NTF).
The PS said under the programmes, MID has carried out road maintenance, rehabilitation as well as work on new constructions. MID also has donor partners that have assisted in road rehabilitation programmes.
These include the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) funded by the World Bank, the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) funded by the Asian Development Bank, the CAUSE Project funded by DFAT and the World Bank, and the PRC-funded infrastructure programme supported by the Chinese Government.
He added that DFAT also provides funding through the National Transport Fund, which finances road maintenance and rehabilitation projects under MID.
Minister Fuo’o thanked the development partners for their continued cooperation and vital contribution to the country’s overall infrastructure development.
While acknowledging their support, he also reminds partners of instructions issued by his office regarding preparations for the country’s upcoming 50th anniversary.
Fuo’o said MID has instructed all partners that both current and proposed infrastructure projects must be completed by 2028.
“All projects must be completed by July 2028 to coincide with the celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary,” he said.
Photo: MID
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