St Helena : DIFID Funds Infrastructure Review for St. Helena
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 05.10.2006 (Article Archived on 19.10.2006)
The introduction of Air Access will have an impact on the Island’s infrastructure and, in readiness for this major development the Department For International Development is commissioning an infrastructure review for St Helena.
DFID to Fund Infrastructure Review
The introduction of Air Access will have an impact on the Island’s infrastructure and, in readiness for this major development the Department For International Development is commissioning an infrastructure review for St Helena.
Since the decision to introduce Air Access was announced, there has been a great deal of debate about precisely what the impacts of the airport on St Helena’s wider infrastructure could be, and what the priorities for investment should be. This review, to be funded by DFID, will focus on a number of key areas including roads, water, drainage, sewerage and sanitation, solid waste management, electricity, wharfage and telecommunication services and will provide a firm basis for future planning discussions. Work will include reviewing existing policies relating to infrastructure matters and other relevant policy documentation including the draft tourism and investment policies and the draft Land Development Control Plan.
The objective of the study is to prepare a strategic planning document which will set out the likely infrastructure requirements for St Helena over the next 20 years. The study will identify and prioritise key infrastructure development projects in each sector; provide budget level cost estimates; identify possible options for funding (which, in some cases, might include funding by inward investors); and set out an outline plan. Tourism and population projections will be factored into the study to ensure that St Helena’s long term needs are taken into consideration.
The Infrastructure Review will be undertaken by John Cox, a Consultant who will work closely with PWSD as well as meeting a number of Departmental and Divisional Heads and key representatives from the private sector and the tourism industry. He is due to arrive on St Helena on 15 October and will remain on Island until 29 November 2006.
The consultant will be looking at areas where private sector investment might be able to help, and he will also look at the implications on staffing and whether St Helena has the necessary skills and capacity to implement recommendations.
The consultant will conclude his work with the submission of a written report to SHG and DFID.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
5 October 2006
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