Solomon Islands officials completed training on infrastructure planning, financing, and risk assessment under an Australian program.
Local officials in Solomon Islands have completed a series of five training sessions aimed at strengthening infrastructure planning, financing, and delivery. The training, conducted by Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, involved 38 participants from six government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and the Honiara City Council.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, highlighted the importance of investing in local expertise to improve infrastructure outcomes.
“Strengthening local expertise is key to Australia’s partnership in supporting Solomon Islands to plan, finance, and deliver infrastructure for economic growth,” Hilton said. “This training reflects our commitment to local jobs and ensuring work goes to Solomon Islands companies to help grow the economy.”
The sessions, delivered by economic experts from Australia, covered topics including economic modelling, fraud awareness, risk assessment, business case development, data analysis, and infrastructure planning.
Participants found the training valuable, particularly in enhancing risk assessment and data analysis. Principal Planner for Education at the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, Starling Konainao, said the sessions reinforced the importance of proactive planning.
“Identifying risks early ensures more effective and transparent project delivery,” Konainao said.
Honiara City Council’s Gabriel Riotara said risk assessment is crucial for balancing priorities and overcoming challenges.
“Applying economic modelling to our local context helps us manage projects efficiently and sustainably,” Riotara said.
Training facilitators Scott Alexander and Michael Buerger emphasized the need for data-driven insights and risk management in infrastructure planning.
“Understanding the financial and risk implications of infrastructure projects is crucial, and this training equips government with the tools to make informed decisions and improve project outcomes,” Alexander said.
The training is part of a broader capacity-building initiative under Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, aimed at supporting both government and private sector efforts to enhance infrastructure development in the country.
Source: AHC
