Today, I resumed meetings with parastatals and government institutions to appreciate the progress on various reforms they are undertaking as well as discuss new reform areas aimed at improving service delivery.
This morning, I held a Zoom meeting with the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) management during which they outlined sectors they are working in. Most of the sectors they outlined strive to ensure value for money in public infrastructure through optimization of resources.
I was impressed with the range and impact of Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects that the institution has engineered over the years, among them the Malawi Digital Project being implemented with US$72 million from the World Bank which aims to transform the local digital landscape.
PPPC is also looking to turn the Department of E-Government into a standalone agency that will look into public ICT infrastructure such as public Wi-Fi connectivity in airports and markets.
PPPC is also seeking investments in theme parks to be constructed in Blantyre, construction of a UN House at Capital Hill, construction of a public parking facility in Blantyre and Lilongwe, among others.
We have resolved that PPPC must identify bottlenecks that hinder acceleration of infrastructure development and optimization of public resources.
A review of the PPP Act is also long overdue considering that it has, in some cases, slowed down or stopped PPPC from taking on feasible proposals for infrastructure development.
I have impressed upon PPPC to ensure amendments to the Act are thorough and futuristic.
I assured them that the administration of His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Republic, will support any amendments that would ensure PPPC performs effectively and efficiently.
Stay safe, Covid-19 is real.
