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No. 00268 |
May 3-9, 2003 |
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Transport sector crucial in regional integrationBy staff reporter
The East African Community development partners have emphasized the importance of the transport sector to sustainable regional integration and development. Addressing the EAC ROADS' DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS CONSULTATIVE MEETING held in Arusha from April 29-30, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Tanzania, Ambassador William Hanna said efficient transport systems are essential to economic and social development and to access basic social services. He said the development partners were committed to financing infrastructure projects at both the national and regional levels. The challenge, however, is to improve project delivery and maintenance, ensure that funds are used for the top priorities, and all investments in the sector - whether by government or with support from the development partners - are sustainable. The Consultative Meeting reviewed progress in the implementation of the East African Road Network Project and considered further support necessary towards the completion of the project, which was launched in 1998. During discussions, statements emphasized that the East African Road Network Project was critical to the facilitation of trade and investments in the region as well as enhancement of the regional integration process. In recognition of this, the Partner States have prioritised development of the road network infrastructure in order to hasten the integration process both within East Africa and with the neighbouring countries. The Meeting agreed on the need to streamline bureaucratic red tape as well as rationalise ongoing and planned studies in the infrastructure sector in order that faster interventions may be instituted where appropriate without the necessity for lengthy and costly studies. Where road studies and designs exist, development partners should utilise them with minimal adjustments and revisions or demand for fresh studies to be undertaken. The Consultative Meeting expressed appreciation to the development partners for their continued support since the first EAC Road Donors Conference in 1998. The Meeting resolved to continue support for the implementation of the ongoing phase of the project and the proposed additional links measuring 5,102 km. The World Bank confirmed availability of USD 400-500 million for the three Partner States' national road sector programmes for the next three years; and the European Union pledged Euros 375 million over the 5-year period. ADB also expressed continued support for the regional integration projects. Addressing the meeting President Benjamin William Mkapa emphasized the importance of road and other transport and communications networks to regional integration. He said that due to the heavy and highly capital intensive investment required in the infrastructure sector, the EAC countries would continue to rely on the development partners for crucial support. The opening session was also addressed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Acting Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the East African Community, Jakaya Kikwete and the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amanya Mushega. Participants included representatives of the governments and organisations: COMESA; Burundi; Democratic Republic of Congo; Denmark; East African Business Council; East and Central Africa Global Competitiveness; East African Development Bank; Kreditanstat Fuer Wledvafbau (Germany); Japan; Norway; African Development Bank; International Labour Organisation; International Civil Aviation Organisation; International Monetary Fund; Rwanda; Swiss Development Corporation; Transit Transport Co-ordination Authority of the Northern Corridor; United States Agency for International Development; the European Union and the World Bank; world Meteorological Organisation. The Meeting also heard presentations by John Nasasira, Minister for Works, Housing and Communications, Uganda; Eng. Raila Odinga, Minister for Roads, Public Works and Housing, Kenya; and John P. Magufuli, Minister for Works, Tanzania. The Ministers presented briefs covering the progress in the implementation of the East African Road Network project; implementation of the conditionalities agreed in 1998; review of the financing of the agreed Road Sections; and proposals for further funding for the outstanding sections of the agreed Road Project and for the new priority road sections. |
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May 01, 2003. Webmaster: WDJMallya |
