A recent productive meeting between the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) and the Minister for Infrastructure Development (MID) Manasseh Maelanga concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborative infrastructure development for the province.
The visiting delegation was led by the Premier of the Isabel Provincial Government, Lawrence Hayward, accompanied by his Minister of Works Gregory Koutini and Provincial Secretary Norman Hiropuhi.
The meeting centered on securing crucial shipping support for the Isabel Development Corporation (IDC) and acquiring essential machinery to boost the province’s infrastructure capabilities.
The premier outlined the need to enhance service delivery, particularly in the maritime sector, and highlighted plans to work closely with Members of Parliament from Santa Isabel to execute provincial initiatives.
“Open and transparent communication between the National Government and the provinces is paramount,” stated the Premier.
“Closer collaboration is essential for the effective implementation of national projects at the provincial level.”
The premier also formally requested the declaration and gazetting of key roads in Isabel Province as public roads to prioritize their maintenance and development.
The premier expressed his gratitude for the national government’s support, including the provision of a vehicle for provincial use.
While acknowledging budgetary constraints, MID Minister Honourable Maelanga assured that shipping assistance requests would be carefully considered based on priority and alignment with the Ministry’s resources.
Minister Maelanga also stressed the importance of developing a robust Public Works Division (PWD) framework within Santa Isabel as crucial for sustainable infrastructure progress, supporting the Premier’s call for National Government assistance in establishing this framework.
A key outcome of the discussion was the designation of the Jejevo bridge as an emergency priority, with the MID Deputy Secretary Corporate Andrew Houlia announcing its immediate processing for tender.
Mr. Houlia assured the delegation that MID will review current submissions from IPG and evaluate ongoing projects and further request for submission of updated provincial requests.
MID remains committed in its decentralization work plans with a greater focus in upgrading provincial infrastructures.
