Government has renewed its commitment towards supporting Isabel Province achieve its infrastructure development aspirations.
This came about during a recent meeting between the Minister for Infrastructure Development (MID) Manasseh Maelanga and Isabel Premier Lawrence Hayward.
A statement from MID said 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.
Premier Hayward outlined the need to enhance service delivery, particularly in the maritime sector, and highlighted plans to work closely with Members of Parliament from Isabel to execute provincial initiatives.
“Open and transparent communication between the national government and the provinces is paramount,” Hayward stated.
“Closer collaboration is essential for the effective implementation of national projects at the provincial level,” he added.
Hayward also requested the declaration and gazetting of key roads in Isabel Province as public roads to prioritize their maintenance and development.
And he expressed his gratitude for the National Government’s support, including the provision of a vehicle for provincial use.
While acknowledging budgetary constraints, Maelanga assured that shipping assistance requests would be carefully considered based on priority and alignment with the mnistry’s resources.
Maelanga also stressed the importance of developing a robust Public Works Division (PWD) framework within Isabel as crucial for sustainable infrastructure progress.
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.
Houlia assured the delegation that MID will review current submissions from the Isabel provincial government and evaluate ongoing projects.
He also requested for the submission of updated provincial requests.
MID remains committed in its decentralization work plans with a greater focus in upgrading provincial infrastructures.
