By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Milan, Italy
Both New Zealand and Australia have urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure project procurement process for Pacific Developing Member Countries (PDMCs) align with the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles.
The Pacific operates in a unique procurement market, and is at high risk from both climate and economic downturns.
“When operating in the Pacific, the bank must focus on quality for all parts of the procurement process, from identification and project design, through procurement, implementation, said New Zealand’s temporary alternate governor, Adele Plummer.
Plummer said there must also be effective review mechanisms that ensure lessons are captured, and improvements made.
The Pacific Islands Forum-endorsed Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles need to be upheld in all cases.
“We urge the bank to redouble efforts to improve these processes in the Pacific and implement effective and systemised change in this area of critical importance. The bank must also improve its strategic communications, both in celebrating its successes, and communicating its intent.”
“We need to show how we are improving the lives and opportunities for the people of our region, urged New Zealand.
Australia retains the same position. It’s ADB temporary governor, Rachel Thompson wants to see ADB projects are implemented consistent with the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles.
“We also expect to see ongoing efforts to further embed value-for-money principles in infrastructure related procurement. Contractors should face the consequences and bear the costs of poor performance. And there needs to be a stronger emphasis on the benefit to local communities during construction and more sustainable approaches to operations and maintenance.
“ADB should not be complicit in allowing a cycle of ‘build, deteriorate and rebuild’ to be perpetuated, reiterated the Australian temporary alternative governor while addressing the ADB Governor’s Annual Meeting in Milan on Monday.
The Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles are designed to improve the integrity of decision making to maximise the positive impacts of infrastructure investments and development in the Pacific. They reflect a regional strategic direction and aspiration for infrastructure to deliver for the people who use and pay for it.
Implementing the principles will ensure that infrastructure financing and development generates local employment and benefits, integrates social and environmental considerations, strengthens climate resilience and is economically efficient.
