THE Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is currently implementing 51 infrastructure projects and programmes at an estimated cost of $80 billion.
BUSINESS REPORTER
Addressing journalists attending a business symposium in Ghana yesterday, PIDA coordinator Cheikh Diakhate said the first phase would run until 2020 at a cost of $80 billion while the total project programme is expected to run until 2040 at a cost of $360 billion.
“We are looking for the $80 billion from the local and international markets. We do not have information yet on the levels of development of some of the projects.
“We did not have people on the ground to check on the progress of the projects.16 people are to be appointed in the ranks so that we will be updated daily on the progress. Recruitment is still under way,” Diakhate said.
Diakhate could not give details on how much money has been used in the implementation of the PIDA project so far but said they would give a detailed update in September this year.
PIDA is an African Union Commission initiative with New Partnership for Africa’s Development Planning and Coordinating Agency, African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Some of the problems experienced by PIDA include lack of capacity for project preparation, funding for project preparation and non-involvement of the private sector. PIDA was approved in January 2012 during the eighteenth ordinary session of the AU.
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PIDA programmes are spread into energy, transport, water and information communication technology to address the infrastructure deficit in Africa.
The Pida projects are also aimed at increasing road access, electricity access as well as create jobs for citizens.
