Sector-based approaches
ENERGY
The PRIF partners are working with other development partners and organisations in the region to provide support for increased and equitable access to reliable and affordable energy. This includes exploring options for extensions to existing networks and supporting off-grid solutions for local generation that can provide rural populations with reliable access to energy.
Support for the World Bank-led Energizing the Pacific initiative has been coordinated through PRIF. This initiative has established a forum for donor coordination for more effective programming of energy sector assistance in the Pacific. The ADB-led activity - Up-scaling Energy Efficiency in the Pacific - will be closely coordinated with Energizing the Pacific and is designed to promote least-cost approaches to energy security through energy efficiency and conservation measures.
Through Energizing the Pacific, PRIF is also supporting the Government of Tonga to prepare the Tonga Energy Roadmap 2010-2020. This support will help identify options for the Government of Tonga to reduce Tonga’s vulnerability to oil price shocks, increase the proportion of its grid-based electricity supply from renewable energy sources, achieve greater efficiencies, lay the foundations for greater investment in the sector, and achieve an increase in quality access to modern energy services in an environmentally sustainable manner. The Government is using the Roadmap to coordinate donor support and make better use of available resources.
In Tuvalu, the New Zealand Aid Programme is assisting with the establishment of a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Unit (REEEU) within the Tuvalu Electricity Corporation (TEC). The aim of this Unit is to help Tuvalu reduce its dependence on imported diesel, reduce carbon emissions, improve the efficiency of power generation and supply, increase the operational effectiveness of the TEC, and develop a plan for infrastructure development for greater use of solar and wind based energy generation.
In Solomon Islands, AusAID, the European Investment Bank, IFC and the World Bank are working together with the Solomon Islands Government in the preparation of the Tina River Hydro Project. The activity includes background studies and specific assistance to develop a smaller scale hydropower scheme (20-22 MW) to replace a significant share of the diesel-powered generation in Honiara.
In Kiribati, the World Bank has commenced preparation of the Kiribati Grid-Connected Solar PV Project to reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum for power generation, improve energy security, and reduce the cost of electricity. The World Bank is also undertaking the Petroleum Supply Chain Study for Tonga and Micronesia which aims to develop a range of options for reducing Tonga and Micronesia’s vulnerability to petroleum price volatility by improving the efficiency of their fossil fuel supply chains and fuel pricing arrangements.
In Vanuatu, AusAID is leading the preparation of a Power Access Program which aims to increase access to power in rural areas and coordinate closely with ongoing World Bank-led work with the Utilities Regulatory Authority to regulate the energy sector.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PRIF is working with Pacific island countries to build on existing good work in telecommunications across the Pacific. The World Bank is providing assistance in the telecommunications sector through the Pacific Regional Telecommunications Regulatory Resource Centre and the Pacific Regional Connectivity Project which includes detailed assessments of potential connectivity options to strengthen the communications backbone of the Pacific region including satellite or submarine cable options. The World Bank is also planning a Tonga-Fiji Connectivity Project which builds on analytical work supported by PRIF on submarine cable connectivity, including on the proposed Tonga-Fiji cable. This activity will support the regulatory TA component of the proposed project aimed at improving the enabling environment for telecommunications and ICT in Tonga. Where private sector participation opportunities arise through PRIF, the IFC have the capacity to respond to emerging transactions.
In Kiribati, the World Bank is providing advisory assistance to the government on telecoms policy and regulation and the transition to a new market structure. In Solomon Islands, the World Bank is providing a program of support to the telecommunications sector including assistance for the appointment of a Telecommunications Commissioner to support the necessary regulatory parameters for the sector and support to Solomon Telekom Ltd regarding its community service obligations.
TRANSPORT
PRIF is involved in long-term transport infrastructure support in Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. In Samoa, PRIF partners helped respond to the 2009 earthquake and tsunami through the rehabilitation of more than 30km of roads and 6km of damaged seawalls. Phase 2 of the World Bank-led Samoa Infrastructure Asset Management (SIAM) Project is supported by PRIF and involves investment in infrastructure and management systems to increase the sustainability and resilience of communities to natural disasters and includes specific transport works following the 2009 tsunami.
In Solomon Islands PRIF partners are supporting long term transport sector activities which have let contracts for the maintenance of over 140km of roads across 3 provinces, and have started significant rehabilitation of bridges following flooding in 2009 and 2010. The PRIF partners have commenced the preparation of a new sector-based transport program to better align their assistance. Assistance is focused on rehabilitating and improving maintenance of high-priority sections of the transport network and helping to ensure accessibility to the high proportion of the population without reliable transport. It will also include a greater focus on building domestic private sector capacity to undertake maintenance and rehabilitation.
In Tonga, PRIF is currently providing a long term program of support to the transport sector. The World Bank-led Tonga Transport Consolidation Project will improve policy, planning and regulation across land, air and sea transport.
In Vanuatu, PRIF has initiated the Vanuatu Transport Sector Support Program. This program will work with the Government to strengthen systems to finance and manage infrastructure works and ensure a more reliable and maintained transport system. The program will also enhance local employment opportunities for men and women through the use of labour-based appropriate technology.
WATER, SANITATION, AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Increasing levels of support will be required to assist Pacific island countries achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of halving the number of people without access to safe drinking water by 2015. PRIF partners are providing support for water and sanitation by building on and improving sectoral support in urban areas of Kiribati, Samoa, and Vanuatu.
In Kiribati, the New Zealand Aid Programme is leading the Kiribati Sustainable Towns Programme which aims to develop a sector-wide model for urban development and management that suits Kiribati's specific context. This activity provides a range of assistance, particularly in the water and sanitation sub-sector.
In Samoa, the ADB-led Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project will prepare a national sanitation master plan for the development of sustainable wastewater systems and an integrated master plan for water, sanitation and drainage for the greater Apia area.
In Vanuatu, ADB is leading the Port Vila Urban Planning and Management Program is aimed at providing affordable, sustainable, and effective drainage and sanitation services to residents of Port Vila and surrounding areas, including those living in informal settlements.
On behalf of the PRIF partners, PIAC is also undertaking analytical work in the water and sanitation sector to help determine how best to allocate resources in this sector.
For more details on specific activities coordinated through PRIF please visit the "PRIF Activities" page.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Search
Newsletter
PRIF in action
Building and maintaining roads
Constructing bridges
Securing clean water supplies
Supporting sustainable energy