Tynwald will be asked to support a new strategy that seeks to ensure the Isle of Man’s infrastructure remains fit for the future.
The National Infrastructure Strategy sets out a framework for meeting the Island’s social and economic requirements for the next 30 years.
It explains the need for our infrastructure to keep pace with changes in population, the economy, technology and climate in order to maintain the Isle of Man’s status as a special place to live and work.
The Strategy, to be considered by Members at the July sitting of Tynwald, includes an audit, which concludes that the Island’s current infrastructure is generally in good condition having benefitted from significant investment over the past 15 years.
Key assets have been designed to withstand change and continue to be maintained to an appropriate standard to meet current and, in some cases, future needs. Where shortfalls have been identified, the Government or infrastructure providers have for the most part already started to tackle this in their planned work programmes.
Consideration is also given to the factors that will influence long-term decision making and efforts to secure value for money. It is the first time such a comprehensive range of information has been presented in one document.
The Strategy will help to inform the planning and delivery of future capital schemes by identifying when strategic assets need to be constructed or replaced. It also encourages partnership working across the public and private sectors to promote a forward-looking approach to infrastructure projects.
There is a strong focus on providing value for money by putting in place maintenance programmes to achieve the full design life of infrastructure such as buildings, roads and services.
The intention is that work will support the Strategy’s overarching aim ‘to ensure there is an integrated, reliable, secure and resilient provision of Island-wide infrastructure that meets the social and economic needs of the Island up to 2050.’
Minister Ray Harmer MHK said: ‘The Island’s infrastructure supports every facet of our lives. It enables the movement of people and goods, provides our homes and businesses with power, water and telecoms and helps our economy to flourish. The demands on our infrastructure are continually evolving and it is important to ensure we are well placed to respond to future needs.’
He added: ‘This Strategy is part of the Programme for Government and will act as guide to the Island’s infrastructure providers when making decisions about future investments. It will coordinate efforts to ensure we prepare for the future in the most effective way possible.’
