MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands government on track to deliver a five year £130m capital program

Among the projects in the pipeline are, expansion of patient care facilities at KEMH;. development of new port infrastructure and housing construction of 96 units

The Falkland Islands Government confirmed its commitment to delivering its capital program, despite some disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The approved total capital program is valued at £130m over five years and there is significant work on-going to deliver critical infrastructure projects.

The delivery of the FIG capital program will generate activity in the local economy and continued opportunity for local business and industry.

Development and Commercial Services portfolio holder MLA Barry Elsby said it was important to keep the program progressing.

“We want to come out of the COVID-19 situation with our economy as well-placed as possible, and these projects are part of achieving that.”

Some re-programming has been needed due to the impact of COVID-19 measures here and overseas, but FIG remains on track to deliver the program, albeit with a few delays

Some examples of disruption have included:

• A ttemporary suspension of construction activity in the Falkland Islands from March 26 to April 21;
• Travel restrictions and availability of flights;
• Quarantine provisions in the Falkland Islands and UK.

Solutions to overcome these impacts are being addressed but FIG is still making progress on the many projects essential to support the economic growth of the Falkland Islands.

A total of 27 approved projects are currently being managed through the capital program and are at various stages of development. These include:

• Expansion of patient care facilities at KEMH.
• £130m Tussac House.
• Development of new port infrastructure.
• FIG’s road building program (MPA road; East & West Falklands; Stanley roads).
• Housing Construction (96 units) & Bennett’s Paddock infrastructure.
• Development of a new power plant.
• Nursery Program.
• Re-Cladding of FIGAS hangars.
• Ramps & Jetties Renovations.
• Housing Maintenance Program
• Building Maintenance Program.
• Waste Management Project.
• Refurbishment of the Stanley Swimming Pool.
• Delivery of a replacement VHF 2m repeater system across the Falkland Island

Some projects have already been successfully completed, such as the new Falkland College & Library, the national FM & MW radio infrastructure surveys, and provision of new interim back-up power plants for the power station.