The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) is still in the planning phase of re-establishing the Public Works Department (PWD).
This was confirmed by Minister Ricky Fuo in Parliament on Monday, in response to a question from the Leader of Opposition, Mathew Wale.
“For us at MID, we are still at the planning phase. We are currently working on case studies to present to our development partners and sister agencies as part of the PWD re-establishment process,” Minister Fuo said.
“At the moment, we’re developing case studies and business plans. We’re considering questions such as: How will we operate? Where will we start? The plan is to begin in Honiara and gradually expand to the provinces. But for now, we remain in the planning stage and hope to present something to Parliament soon.”
Minister Fuo also recalled that the government had announced its intention to re-establish the PWD two years ago.
Opposition Leader Wale questioned the progress of the initiative: “Where are we now with that proposal? Each of our provincial centers should have their own PWD equipment and manpower ready to respond. We should not be continuously spending large sums to hire contractors when roads deteriorate.”
By Ian Ladds OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
