30-04-2018, Nairobi (Kenya): The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development today signed the contract for the commencement of the development of an IGAD Regional Infrastructure Master Plan (IRIMP) with consulting firms IPE Global Limited and AFRICN Universal Consulting in Nairobi in the presence of Eng. James Kungu, Chief Engineer Roads-State Department of Infrastructure, Kenya Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.
The development of IGAD Regional Infrastructure Master Plan (IRIMP) is being prepared with financial assistance from African Development Bank (AfDB). This master plan is an important cog for the IGAD region to achieve economic integration and contribute in the achievement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
IRIMP’s key objective is to develop regional infrastructure that will enhance regional economic integration through trade, free movement of goods and persons and poverty reduction amongst IGAD Member States. It is expected to cover the regional sub-sectors of transport, ICT, energy and trans-boundary water resources.
To this end, IGAD has contracted IPE Global Limited in Association with Africon Universal Consulting to undertake this comprehensive study. The output of this regional study is the formulation of an infrastructure strategic framework, and its concomitant financing strategy. The 18 – months study will cost USD 3.6 Million.
In his remarks during the signature ceremony, Amb Maalim, highlighted that the Master Plan is to cover transport, energy and Information and Communications Technologies. He underlined the commencement of the development of the IRIMP was timely as many African countries have ratified the Continental Free Trade Area and are also working on the open skies for air traffic.
Eng. Kungu noted tha regional infrastructure required “a carefully elaborated study to unfold its variations and highlight its priorities and impacts”. “The objectives of such an intensive and extensive study will lead hopefully to construct a regional infrastructure plan designed to meet the general economic and social requirements of our region for the coming twenty years and be in conformity with the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063”, he said.
IPE Global Limited and AFRICN Universal Consulting representatives committed themselves to high quality standards for the development of the Master Plan and vowed to deliver within the time limits.
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