Infrastructure gets priority

 THE 2014 Gulf provincial budget is focused on developing basic infrastructure and fixing the deteriorating health and education facilities, Governor Havila Kavo said.

The K114,227.148 million was passed on Tuesday.

Kavo stressed the need for the 2014 budget to reach and benefit the people in the districts and LLGs.

He blamed past administrations for the poor state of infrastructure and the high overhead costs.

He said the 2014 budget would establish minimum standards in districts and LLGs to be developed as growth centres.

“The districts and LLGs must have all the basic services established for a conducive work environment to deliver effective service,” he said.

The budget includes:

• Construction and rehabilitation of new and existing roads, wharves, jetties and airstrips;
• establishment of the University Centre in Kerema, Polytech Institution at Malalaua and refurbishment of secondary, high schools and primary schools;
• refurbishment of district hospitals, Kapuna Nursing College, health centres, roll-out of Community Health Posts and water supply projects;
• establishment of agriculture and fisheries projects, small and medium enterprises, Kerema-Malalaua road corridor, Vailala oil palm and Kamea coffee projects;
• construction of new quarters for public servants; and,
• support for law and order at all government levels.

The provincial government’s four key development pillars in its Vision 2020 are integral human development, health and education development, social welfare and economic development, and infrastructure development.

The East Kerema LLG president said the budget was very important for the establishment of institutions and authorities relevant to the performance of the government in providing basic services. The institutions include the provincial council of women and churches.