Photos by Livett
Photos by Benz Newman 18th May 2016
GOV’T FOCUSED ON BUILDING RESILIENT
COMMUNITIES
THE GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Infrastructure
Development (MID) will now focused on building more resilient communities
within areas affected by recent flash floods.
This is made possible with the continuous partnership and support
from Asian Development Bank (ADB) with aim of raising and maintaining local
sustainable economy.
According to ADB’s press statement this week the local
Government signed a contract with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to
implement an ADB USD$9.1M Transport Sector Flood Recovery Project in Guadalcanal
province.
ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office (PLCO) Senior
Project Officer Rishi Ram Adhar said that the project marks a milestone for
Solomon Islands especially in Guadalcanal Province.
He said ADB has been working in partnership with the Local Government
for years in infrastructure development as well as institutionalizing reforms,
in spite of political setbacks. He affirms that the ADB funded project is to
build climate chance resilience structure, not only that, but upholds that ADB
through the PLCO will continue to support the ministry of Infrastructure in
terms of institutional reform.
Acting Permanent secretary Moses Virivolomo pointed out that
the transport sector is the driver of the economy and the aim of the project is
to reconnect communities to continue with business activities. Not only that
but the project is designed to construct sustainable infrastructure to withstand
any future floods or natural disaster.
Project designer SMEC Australia PTY LTD will be assisting
CHEC in supervising the 14 months project to reconstruct and restore transport
infrastructure in Guadalcanal.
“Prolonged heavy rain in April 2014 associated with Tropical
Cyclone Ita caused severe flooding in the nation’s capital, Honiara and across
Guadalcanal Province. There were 23 deaths and 52,000 people were reportedly
affected. Major Infrastructure including sewerage systems, water supplies and
major roads and bridges were badly damaged or destroyed.”
“The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is the executing
agency for the project which aims to build more resilient communities by
ensuring restored bridges, stream crossings, culverts and bridge approach roads
can better withstand more frequent natural disasters and other challenges
expected from climate change.”
“The project’s funding is drawn from ADB’s Disaster Response
Facility. ADB’s financing is $13.22 million (half loan, half grant) while the
Solomon Islands Government is contributing $2.36 million equivalent.”
“Since 2000, ADB has supported the Solomon Islands’ efforts
to improve and develop its transport sector through eight major projects.” A
statement from ADB reads.
END///
No comments:
Post a Comment