23rd August 2016 A first batch of “Project Implementation Capacity Building Workshop” is under way for executing and project implementing agencies in Tonga, Samoa and Cook Islands at the Scenic Hotel, Nuku’alofa on 22nd-26th August 2016.
The workshop promotes familiarity with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) processes including procurement, consultant recruitment, contract management, ADB’s anti-corruption and integrity policies, project finances policies and procedures, and social and environmental policies and procedures.
The workshop is the first of sixteen training to be held throughout the Pacific under the Project Improvement Action Plan (PIAP). The plan targets the establishment of capacity to manage the forecast increase in development assistance, and to deliver the quality of public services and access to opportunities that the region’s population deserves.
Consultants facilitating the workshop are Technical Assistance Team Leader and Procure Specialist – Miguel Voloso, Procurement Specialist – Annie-Marie Bishop, Financial Management Specialist – Terrence O’Donnell, Social Safeguards Specialist – Jayantha Perera, and Environmental Safeguards Specialist – Alan Sewll.
ADB staff attending the workshop includes David Fay who is the Head of the Project Administration Unit and ADB Pacific Subregional Office (SPSO) and Aileen Ramos.
In securing the grant funding, in 2015 the Green Climate Fund was established with a commitment to mobilize USD 100 billion per year by 2020. The Fund is intended to meet the adaptation and mitigation costs for climate change vulnerable states. ADB are trying to position regional clients, and to assist in project preparation, to take advantage of this grant funding.
“Illustrating that we can actually design and implement projects in a timely manner is essential if we are to be successful in securing grant funding. If we can work together effectively, we can access extra resources to advance our country development agendas. And that begins on the ground with us and with each of you” said Mr. Laisiasa Tora, the ADB country lead for Tonga.
A one-on-one discussion about pending or outstanding project implementation issues will be conducted immediately after the workshop.
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Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications