HOW TO SOLVE INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIENCY

Alhaji Isa Bello Sali

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, has said the private sector was critical to addressing the huge infrastructure deficit put at over $100 billion.

He said the setting up of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) units in ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) was key to filling the resource gap in project delivery and operation as "PPP arrangements engender acceleration of project delivery, lead to faster execution of projects and reduce  the costs of projects.”

Speaking in Abuja at a three-day National PPP Awareness and Sensitisation Programme organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commi-ssion (ICRC) in collaboration with the office of the Head of Service.

Sali said the present administration was working hard to ensure the country meets its millennium development goals and realises its Vision 20:2020 aspirations.

He said though infrastructure deficit had retarded economic growth and limited productivity and competitiveness, nevertheless, “a clear departure from the old ways of doing things is imperative if the country is to create and sustain modern, efficient infrastructure that delivers cost effective public services for accelerated and sustained growth.”

Director-General, ICRC, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, said the commission was poised to ensure value for money for all parties in transaction and ensure that expectations of stakeholders are optimally managed.

He, however, said there were challenges of time, long-term financing, capacity and sector reforms limiting the successful implementation of PPP in the country.
He added that the way forward was to attract credible, competent and committed investors among others.

culled from: ThisDay