Infrastructure projects that are worth $300 million are needed to be undertaken by Palau over the next decade according to President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. during his State of the Republic Address (SORA)on Tuesday.
Among the identified infrastructure projects cited by the President are affordable housing subdivisions, a National Conference Center, a central market, the new Babeldaob Central Landfill, recreational and visitor attraction sites development, Angaur State Port Improvements, the National Fish Market and Auction, new Belau National Hospital, the GCF Renewable Energy Project, a new ship for the southwest islands, and the new commercial seaport development.
“Where possible, we will seek funding support from the U.S., Japan and the Republic of China – Taiwan as well as other international funding sources,” Remengesau said in his speech.
Although there is $40 million dollar available for infrastructure projects from the Compact, Remengesau said that Palau has to “dig deep” into its own fund to finance these identified projects.
Currently, a total of $67 million major infrastructure projects are under construction in Palau and these includes the Koror-Airai Water Line, Koror-Airai Sewer,the Babeldaob Roads Connection, the New Correctional Facility, the Weather Service Station, One-Stop Shop, and the visitor attraction site developments. (Rhealyn C. Pojas/Reporter)