BY LORETTA B MANELE
Manasseh Maelanga, Member of Parliament for East Malaita and member of the Independent Group stressed on the execution of policies in parliament on Monday, May 12.
In early remarks, he said the National Buildings Standard Bill, the re-establishment of the Public Works Department and the Provincial Works Department and a new draft Government Vehicle Policy are positive steps, however are not new ideas.
Maelanga mentioned that many of these policies were initiated or drafted in previous terms.
Speaking of policies, he expressed that the test now is not policy design but in executing these policies.
In terms of infrastructure, Maelanga voiced that today, we often see ground-breaking ceremonies followed by silence.
He added that there are roads after having being laid, crumble within a season and commissioned buildings without water or electricity.
“This must change.”
He pointed out that infrastructure must reflect total value, not just cost, but quality, longevity, accessibility and community belief.
Maelanga, said it has been a previous challenge and will continue to be a challenge for the hard-working officers of the Ministry of Infrastructure (MID).
He stated that building new roads and maintaining our infrastructures will always be a national challenge until we have a permanent fixed rate.
“I encourage the government and our new Minister for Infrastructure to consider establishing a National Infrastructure Delivery Authority with the capacity and autonomy to implement complex projects.”
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