LEADER of Opposition Jeremiah Manele says the Government needs to focus more on infrastructure development to drive and sustain economic and social development in our country.
Mr Manele highlighted this when speaking during the debate on the 2015 Appropriation Bill 2015, in Parliament on Wednesday.
The Member of Parliament for Hograno/Kia/ Havulei said infrastructure development underpins economic development.
“We need roads, wharves, bridges, airstrips, transportation, telecommunication services and a reliable and affordable energy or electricity to drive and sustain economic and social development in our country. As such, there needs to be more focus on infrastructure development,” Mr Manele said.
He added that the Government must invest in Infrastructure development in provinces where major national projects are hosted and address the issue to enhance opportunities for growth in the rural sector.
In addition, Mr Manele said, without proper and adequate infrastructure the Government cannot attract much needed foreign direct investment including tourism development.
The Leader of Opposition said, whilst he appreciated the huge allocation of $SBD 242 million to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development; it is critical however, that the funds are spent on strategic infrastructure projects that will actually contribute to economic growth, and not on political infrastructure projects.
He said most of the resources including funds from the National Transport Fund (NTF) would be spent on maintaining or rehabilitating existing infrastructure.
“But we also need new pieces of Infrastructure, quality infrastructure investments fairly distributed among our provinces to boost further economic growth,” Mr Manele said.
Mr Manele further added that there are a number of key strategic infrastructure projects that have the potential to contribute to our country’s socio-economic development.
He said for Isabel Province these included the completion of the Buala –Tirotongana road, the Kaevanga-Kilokaka road, Kia wharf, construction of Kaolo airstrip, and upgrade of Suavanao airstrip.