The Department of Infrastructure is strengthening its focus on strategic maintenance of the Isle of Man’s key assets.
A programme of highways and structural maintenance has been announced for the 2015-16 financial year. Information about individual projects, costs and projected start and completion dates is available to view on the Government website, as part of the commitment to public engagement and openness.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The Department is responsible for maintaining approximately ?1 billion of highway assets. Long-term strategic planning is a priority, with a focus on providing the foundations on which the Isle of Man can build economic and social success.’
He added: ‘Basic maintenance of the Isle of Man’s roads and civil structures such as bridges and retaining walls has been neglected for many years and we are starting to pay the price. This under-investment is reducing the lifespan of our core assets which, if allowed to continue, runs the risk of catastrophic failures in the future.
‘The Department is taking action towards the proper stewardship of infrastructure that supports our daily lives and underpins the success of the Manx economy. It makes sense to invest now in the general upkeep of our highways and harbours to avoid paying out millions of pounds in years to come. A good example is Bay Ny Carrickey where we will be strengthening and repointing the sea wall at a cost of ?130,000. If this maintenance was ignored the road would collapse at some point in the future, leaving us with a massive repair bill of many millions.’
The Highway Services Division of the Department of Infrastructure identified a level of funding required to carrying out long-term works and the Strategic Structural Maintenance capital fund was approved by Tynwald in February 2015. The schemes set to be carried out in 2015-16 are highlighted in two reports, which can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/ojn75rl
Minister Gawne said: ‘We have chosen to make our strategic maintenance programmes public, so that people can see some of the more significant projects that are planned for the year ahead. I believe in engaging with the community and being open and transparent about how taxpayers’ money is being invested. The report detailing the highways schemes also includes maps and links to street views to give people the exact locations of where work will be taking place.’
He added: ‘Basic maintenance of our infrastructure may not seem particularly exciting, but it is absolutely essential. The Department takes its responsibilities very seriously and is refocusing on professional asset management to maximise the life and value we get from our infrastructure.’
