INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES BROAD POLICY
Physical infrastructure and utilities are the most critical components in the further development of the economy and community of the British Virgin Islands. Our physical infrastructure includes our roads network, our sea and airport facilities, and our drainage systems. Our utilities include telecommunications, water, sewerage, electricity and cable television systems. The Minister of Communications and Works is responsible for the implementation of this policy.
Table of Contents
Overview
Introduction
Purpose
National Priorities
Outcomes and Indicators
Future Directions
Overview
Policy Goal
The National Infrastructure and Utilities Policy’s overall goal is, as far as possible within available resources, to
develop and maintain an infrastructure and utilities network appropriate to facilitate national development and to ensure the safety and security of all users.
National Priorities
The following priorities for action have been selected for the first five years of the National Infrastructure and Utilities Policy operation. These priorities are not final and could be changed overtime.
Future Directions
Strategies that work towards achieving the priorities of the National Infrastructure and Utilities Policy will be adjusted or developed as necessary, and will fit within the Government’s overall strategic priorities. Major directions to be emphasized during the next 5 years include:
- Information, research and evaluation
- Promotion of safety in the use of transport systems
- Assessment, advice and management services
- Law enforcement strengthening
- Policy and legislative development
- Protection of infrastructure and utilities network from natural disasters
- Consolidation of systems for management purposes
Strategies
The National Infrastructure and Utilities Policy aims to improve the stock and safe use of our land, air and marine infrastructure, and
to development and maintain our utilities in a sustainable way. The policy recognizes that an extensive amount of public education, operators training and construction must take place in order for success. It is recognized that close collaboration with the private sector must take place to successfully implement this policy.
The policy also recognize that our utilities must become more efficient
and there is need for public education and understanding of the issues
involved.
Key Groups
Desired outcomes are listed under each priority in the National Infrastructure and Utilities Policy, both for the non-operator users, user of utility services and operator of vehicles and ships. The groups which are more likely to inflict harm or violate safety regulations and principles are the operators of vehicles contractors,
excavator operators. Examples of groups which are most likely to benefit from the (NIUP) are listed and are:
- Boat and motor vehicles passengers
- Aircraft passengers
- Pedestrians, swimmers
- Aircraft pilots, boat and vehicle operators
- Households with utilities
- Commercial and industrial consumers of utilities
Key Settlings
There are a few settings which the NIP takes into account to improve facilities and their safe use. Settings coming in for particular attention are:
- Our roads
- Our seas
- Our air space
- Our water and sewerage system
- Our electricity system
- Our telecommunications system
- Our cable television, television and radio systems
Introduction
This section of the British Virgin Islands Infrastructure and Utilities Policy sets our Government’s policy and legislative intentions for our infrastructure and utilities of the next 5-7 years. It is the first time that all government policies regarding infrastructure have been brought together in one document.
This policy was developed over the past two years, following the National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS) consultation, the development of Memorandum of Co-operation and Partnership (MCAP) and extensive consultation with the concerned ministries, departments and private sector organizations. Additional details of this policy will be published with the NIDS.
Leading up to the consultations some years ago, the BVI experienced a number of setbacks with hurricanes and simultaneously there has been some very visible improvements to our infrastructure in many areas. Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to improve the physical infrastructure, to rationalize the financing of infrastructure construction, to improve the regulatory and operational management of utilities to improve the operational management of infrastructural services and to update the regulatory framework. Two key piece of legislation
are the Physical Planning Act and the Telecommunications Management Act which
prescribe standards for infrastructural development and address some critical issues associated with the day-to-day operation of utilities. A number of traffic management initiatives have been put in place and the results are being seen.
A number consultancies are have been undertaken to improve the management of utilities.
As a result of these initiatives, evidence suggests that there is a marked improvement in the quality of physical infrastructure, the operations of our utilities, management of infrastructure and in consumers’ use of the infrastructure. We are pleased with the progress of infrastructure development and utilities service
and we are optimistic that patterns of consumers’ behaviour will endure. As well, the development of physical infrastructure envisaged will be developed with the medium to long term.
The physical infrastructure and utilities sub-committee of National Integrated Development Strategy will continue to examine the changing need and to make recommendations on investment, operations, the legal framework and government policy.
Purpose of the Policy
This National Policy:
- Consolidates a range of strategies and measures which address
infrastructural improvement goals.
- Forms a basis for coherent policy development across a wide range of environments and agencies.
- Assists future co-ordination of strategies and delivery through identification of any gaps and overlaps, and through establishing key linkages and co-ordination mechanisms.
- Provides for the development of measurable outcomes against which the impact of strategies may be assessed.
Policy Goal
The goal of this policy, within the limits of our resources, is:
To improve
the quality and expand the level of physical infrastructure and
utilities
Underpinning the goal are five principles. They are:
- Efficiency
- Adequacy
- Users should pay as much as possible
- Infrastructure and utilities is a prerequisite to development
- Ensuring that sister islands infrastructure and utilities is acceptable
National Priorities
The following priorities for action have been selected for the next decade of the national Infrastructure
and Utilities Policy. These priorities may need to change overtime, especially as new demand comes on stream or as the present demand shifts. However, our listed priorities form the basis for the long term development of our strategy on
infrastructure and utilities.
Priority one
To enable the continued socioeconomic development of the BVI with the development and proper management
the national road network.
Priority two
To improve on and expand the existing marine ports infrastructure to meet international standards, accommodate our vital marine tourism industry and to provide adequate linkage within our country.
Priority three
To improve on and expand the existing air transport infrastructure in accordance with international standards, our tourism sector and the growing demands of our transport sector.
Priority four
To improve upon and expand the existing drainage systems consistent with our disaster mitigation programme and the urgent need to protect our road network from deterioration.
Priority five
To improve and expand the electrical power supply on a more sustained basis.
Priority six
To consolidate and privatize certain elements of the maintenance of infrastructure under a series of national contracts.
Priority seven
To improve our telecommunications systems to world class levels.
Priority eight
To strengthen the legal framework regarding the use of infrastructure and
utilities.
Priority nine
To improve the quality and reliability of cable television programming distributed throughout the country.
Priority ten
To improve the safety level in the use of our national infrastructure.
Priority eleven
To improve the quality and sustainability of our water and sewerage systems.
Outcomes and Indicators
The National Infrastructure and Utilities Policy aims to provide a basis for making measurable progress towards achieving the priority policy objectives. We are listing a set of desired outcomes for each priority. Key groups within the population who will benefit from this infrastructure
and utilities policy and the key environments for service delivery are identified and reflected in the desired outcomes as far as possible.
Measurable progress towards these outcomes will indicate that the priority objective is being achieved. In some, instances, indicators will show whether the strategies being implemented have made a demonstrable difference. In other instances, the first measures will be to capture base line data. Targets will be set so that progress towards each outcome can be assessed.
Priority one
To enable the continued socio-economic development of the BVI with the development and proper management of a national road network.
Desired outcomes are:
- Reduction of the number of accidents caused and the number and level of serious injuries caused due to poorly designed roadways.
- Increased access to land for development of safe and well-designed roadways.
- Improved management of our roadways due to the systematic classification and programmed maintenance of roadways as they deteriorate.
- Improved operational safety of the roadways due to the placement of adequate lighting for pedestrians and automobiles as well as crash barriers and safety markings.
- Periodic financial and economic analysis providing estimates of the cost of management of our road transport system.
- Improvement of all roadways to enable them to accommodate the range of emergency vehicles throughout the country.
Priority two
To improve and expand the existing marine ports infrastructure to meet international standards, to accommodate
our vital marine tourism industry and to provide adequate island-to-island and port-to-port linkage within and into our country.
The desired outcomes:
- Improvement in the capacity of our ports to comfortably accommodate all passenger and cargo traffic to the year 2010.
- Upgraded port facilities to ensure the safe operations of our ferry services in ports.
- Reduction in the number of marine accidents and number of persons suffering injuries or loosing their lives.
- Establish safety standards and training programmes to produce more marine officers and operators for the marine industries.
- Improve the storage facility to accommodate the safe parking of vessels to hide from the elements of the weather.
- Improved marine markings to promote safe use of waters by residents and tourists alike.
- Enhanced policing of BVI waters protects our marine assets from abuse misuse and unauthorized use.
Priority three
To improve and expand the existing air transport infrastructure in accordance with international standards, our tourism sector and the growing demands of our transport sector.
The desired outcomes are:
- Bring all three of our airports to international operating standards of safety and comfort for our passengers.
- Expand the Virgin Gorda airport to effectively handle the international and domestic traffic generated by that island.
- Increased capacity to handle all passengers throughput to the year 2010.
- Improved management of airport facilities to take advantage of available commercial opportunity.
Priority four
To improve and expand the existing drainage systems consistent with our disaster mitigation effort and the urgent need to protect our road network form deterioration.
The desired outcomes are:
- An information database on the particulars and maintenance records of all components of our national drainage system.
- Better drained roads to reduce pavement instability and surface deterioration.
- Rehabilitated and bettered natural drainage systems such as hillside ghuts.
- Re-designed and better functioning drainage system in urban areas.
- A set of guidelines for the construction of drainage and required drainage.
Priority five
To improve and expand the electrical power supply on a more sustained basis.
The desired outcomes:
- A reduction in number kw hours lost due to unavailability in electrical supply.
- An improvement in the quality of electrical power supplied.
- A real reduction in the per unit cost of the per unit delivery of electrical power nationally.
- Expand the electrical power supply generating and distribution capacity commensurate with the growth of the population.
- A real reduction in the average consumer monthly bill.
- An increased in the kilometers of supply cable protected from the elements in the event of hurricanes.
Priority six
To consolidate and privatize certain components of the maintenance of infrastructure under a series of contracts.
The desired outcomes are:
- Reduction in the level untidiness in the drainage, systems, roadways, the seas and our transport facilities.
- Reduction in the aggregate costs of the maintenance of infrastructural facilities.
- Create a number of maintenance elements of our infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
- Privatization of infrastructure maintenance.
- Improve the level and quality of infrastructure and utilities maintenance in accordance with established world class standards.
Priority seven
To improve our telecommunication system to world class level in terms of access, reliability, quality and price.
The desired outcomes:
- Create a regulatory framework to better manage telecommunications services in the BVI.
- Introduce competition in the production of telecommunication services.
- Improved connectivity and compatibility with the rest of the world telecommunications systems.
- Improve and expand the range of telecommunication services and products provided to BVI customers.
- Realize a real reduction in the cost telecommunications as a national service.
- A reduction in loss of service hours to customers together a better customer service orientation.
Priority eight
To strengthen the legal and management framework concerning use of infrastructure.
The desired outcomes are:
- A better educated drivers and pedestrians.
- Reduction in the level of accidents and injuries.
- Better information system on the use of infrastructure.
- Consolidated laws governing management of roads and bridges, sea
ports, etc.
- A clear and comprehensive regulatory framework to govern safety in the use of all infrastructure
Priority nine
To improve the quality and reliability of cable television programming as well as its distribution throughout the country.
The desired outcomes:
- An improved and more culturally relevant satellite programme of channels for the BVI tastes and preferences.
- Enhanced reliability and sustainability of the cable television service.
- Creation of a Public Utilities Commission to regulate the operations, pricing and expansion of all utilities in the BVI.
Priority ten
To improve the safety level in use of our infrastructure and utilities.
The desired outcomes:
- Expand the number of users well-educated about the safe use of our
infrastructure and utilities.
- Increase our capacity to enforce the safe use of infrastructure and utilities.
- Develop modern up-to-date infrastructure and utility use guidelines for all consumers, persons and visitors in the British Virgin Islands.
- Improved programmes of security for the protection and safekeeping of utility and infrastructure assets in the British Virgin Islands.
Priority eleven
To improve the quality and sustainability of water and sewerage services systems.
The desired outcomes:
- Enhance the level of financial and technical management of our water and sewerage systems.
- Reduce the level of financial and technical management of our water and sewerage systems.
- Reduce the level of loss of water in the distribution system.
- Increase the regular and emergency storage capacity of water.
- Expand the level and quality of sewerage handling facilities throughout the British Virgin Islands.
- Expand the environment management of sewerage systems.
- A real reduction in the per unit costs and price of water and sewerage.
Future Directions
Within the next five years strategies that work towards achieving the outcomes of the National Infrastructure and Utilities Policy will be adjusted and developed as necessary, and as further information becomes available.
Information Research and Evaluation
In the next 5 years research and evaluation will include:
- Determining why components of our infrastructure fails and how efficient are our utilities.
- Developing, publishing and promoting national standards for infrastructure design and implementation as well as utilities.
- Assessing the impact policy and legislative changes regarding the use of infrastructure and utilities.
- Developing information bases on infrastructure and utilities.
- Developing new and assessing existing management policies and practices in infrastructure management and utilities management.
- Developing new safety regulations for infrastructure and utilities use.
Promotion of Safety in Transport Systems
In the next 5 years, promoting safety in transport systems will include:
- Strengthening warnings about and information on dangerous automobile use, poor conduct operating marine crafts, poor infrastructure design and poor maintenance of infrastructure.
- Mass media education campaigns:
- safety on the water and road campaign
- drink driving and sailing campaigns
- construction of infrastructure information
- conservation utility resources
- Safety on the roads and seas promotion in schools and communities.
- Safety using our utilities.
- Improved safety or the most likely victims, such as:
- young drivers
- the elderly
- new users of utilities
- sports people
- Provision of information and resources about safety in transport and utilities.
- Provision of training for persons operating and managing the use and maintenance of infrastructure.
Assessment, Advice and Management Services
In the next five years, assessment, advice and management services will focus on:
- Better address the needs of operators and users of infrastructure, such as:
- owners and operators of infrastructure and utilities
- motor vehicle operators
- operators of boats, ships and yachts
- home and property owners
- investors in infrastructure
- road and sea passengers
- Increasing the provision of advice by ministry officials (infrastructure and utilities experts) especially for
- persons or entities constructing infrastructure and utilities
- persons or entities maintaining infrastructure and utilities
Training for infrastructure and utilities providers and managers and users will focus on:
- Training for policy makers and technical workers in brief assessment and intervention.
- Training for agencies in the development and operations of infrastructure.
- Training and education for children in respect of using infrastructure.
Law Enforcement
Within the next five years, there will be:
- Enhanced enforcement of legislation controlling the privilege to operator vehicles on ships and aircrafts on infrastructure
- Continue enforcements of anti-littering laws
- Laws protecting public utilities assets
- Further improve the marine safety legislation
- Improve existing planning legislation to cover the construction of drainage and infrastructure and utilities
- Enact legislation to cover compulsory breath testing legislation
Policy and Legislative Development
Within the next five year, policy and legislative review will include:
- Investigate the feasibility of introducing standard tests and certification for operating vehicles on infrastructure and developing infrastructure
- Review the provisions for compulsory assessment the impact of new infrastructure
- Review the major pieces of legislation regulating the use of infrastructure to determine whether they are meeting their objectives and underlying principles, and which addresses the following issues:
- the minimum drinking age
- the qualifications and testing procedures for operators of vehicles on
infrastructure
- operations re-certification and certification
- licencing and inspections procedures for vehicles, boats and aircrafts
- standards of service for utilities and infrastructure businesses
- issues related to the types of licences that can be granted
- definition of intoxication
- utility design standards
- road, sea and airfield markings
- technical issues
- health issues related to infrastructure and utility use
Implementation, monitoring and review
Progress within the priority areas of the National Infrastructure and Utilities Policy will be monitored and reviewed in the following ways:
- A High Level Committee, chaired by the Minister of Communications and Works and including official from Development Planning, Ministry of Natural Resources and Lands, Ministry of Finance and the Public Works Department, will meet twice annually to review progress and to determine which new policy initiatives should be recommended to the Government.
- A monitoring group, chaired by the Permanent Secretary/C&W and including officials from his Ministry, Development Planning Unit, Public Works Department, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Lands, will ensure that policies and programmes throughout the government are mutually supportive. The monitoring group will receive reports on the progress made in implementing this policy, and will make recommendations to the ministerial committee on new policy initiatives. It will consult with other agencies as appropriate.
- All government agencies with responsibilities for infrastructure related initiatives with present a semi-annual progress reports which outline progress with their areas of responsibility, give an update of resources devoted to the area, and report on any other strategies/interventions designed to impact on the national priorities and desired outcomes.
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