Speeches
Ministry of Communications and Works Outlines
Strategic Objectives
BRADES: The following is a paper presented by Hon. John E. Wilson, Minister of Communications and Works at the opening of the Country Policy Plan (CPP) talks.
Strategic Objectives
The Sustainable Development Plan outlines six broad objectives which Government of Montserrat has agreed to pursue over the period 2003-2006. In order for any significant achievement to be realized, the Ministry of Communications and Works which is responsible for ensuring that there is an adequate physical infrastructure to facilitate the development of the country must play a central role.
The Ministry is responsible for several key areas - infrastructure, ports of entry, power, water, transportation and telecommunications, which have the potential to shape the developmental thrusts of the island.
Already, significant achievements have been realized, but careful and deliberate strategies are necessary to put Montserrat back on a sustainable path.
The core issue must be the provision of an adequate infrastructure base ( encapsulating the key elements of power, transportation, communication, water) for any significant progress towards sustainable development of Montserrat.
The following emerged from the above:
1. sizeable backlog maintenance requirements to bring the existing road network and government buildings up to a satisfactory condition;
2. need to expand the road network so as to serve the new residential and commercial areas ( as identified in the physical development plan;
3. inadequate accommodation for key government departments;
4. existing organizational structure does not afford maximum effectiveness and efficiencies;
5. trainability of staff within PWD-supporting organizations;
6. upgrading of the power system necessary. Reliance on fossil fuels for the production of energy and the associated issues - escalating prices make us quite vulnerable. We therefore need to explore and develop alternate sources of energy;
7. temporary nature of facilities for energy production.
8. upgrading of the water system ( spring yields have declined over the past several years; alternate sources need to be exploited in order to satisfy local demand);
9. sewerage treatment issues. need for passage of appropriate legislation and regulations of govern treatment of liquid waste.
10. large subsidies for external transportation services
11. upgrading telecommunications strategy, necessary.
The Core Strategic Focus
Public Works Department
* Development of a viable road network servicing the main areas of residential and commercial development. This will require expansion of the physical road and drainage infrastructure in order to sustain existing developments.
* Expand the Building infrastructure in order to support the planned expansion and enhancement of services - MCW Headquarters.
* Develop an effective programme for the maintenance of all government building assets.
* Implement systems and procedures that will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of PWD departments/units.
* Provide high quality, reliable and appropriate technical advice to client ministries.
* Attract, recruit, retain and support highly qualified staff.
* Restructure selected units within the PWD to enhance the efficiencies, resource allocations and revenue generation to achieve sustainable operations.
* Establish performance monitoring and control procedures.
UTILITIES
Power (Monlec)
* Develop/Expand the power system in order to meet national demand in the most cost effective and cost efficient manner.
* Explore alternate energy producing systems
* Restructure the utilities
Water (MWA)
* Develop the water system in order to ensure a reliable supply of potable water to satisfy local demand.
* Explore and develop underground water to augment spring supplies
* Improve fiscal management
* Assist in the development of a unified and restructure utility organization.
* Implement legislative framework for the treatment of liquid waste through the passage of Sewerage Treatment Act.
Transportation
Air
* Restore fixed wing air transportation service to the island.
*Improve security at all ports of entry so as to satisfy the requirement of the CAA - (Civil Aviation Authority).
Sea
* Continue the provision of a reliable, safe, effective but affordable ferry service.
* Liaise with agents and operators to ensure the implementation of a robust security system on the ferry service.
PORT (MPA)
* Continue to develop the Port facilities ( seaside) as a means of supporting economic, industrial and tourism initiatives.
* Improve security operations at the port so as to satisfy ISPS/SOLAS Conventions.
* reduce the risks to vessels docking at the facility.
Telecommunications
* Review and upgrade the legislative framework to make it more relevant to the 21st century environment.
*Develop a strategy for liberalizing the telecommunications sector in 2007.
*Establish a telecommunications unit.
Human Resources (HR)
* Strengthen capacity within the Ministry and its utilities so as to better respond to HR issues;
*Ensure adequate capacity in order to provide technical services.
*Institutionalize staff development training programmes
* Establish structured training programmes to promote skills enhancement.
Conclusion
The provision of an adequate physical infrastructure is a key feature in the pursuit of the sustainable development of the island. Infrastructure is operationalized to comprise the elements of roads, port facilities, power, water, communications, transportation and telecommunications services. Full development of some aspects is likely within the planned period, but all areas must continue to receive careful and deliberate consideration for any significant progress towards sustainable development. (February 12, 2004)
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