📋 Tender Overview
The Asian Development Bank ADB has approved additional financial aid of 20 million for the ongoing Tuvalu Outer Island Maritime Infrastructure Project.The 20 million grant comes from ADBs Asian Development Fund and will help to build a small workboat harbor on the island of Nui part of an existing program building safe secure and efficient maritime infrastructure in Tuvalus outer islands.ADB Transport Specialist for the Pacific Juan Gonzalez said ADB is utilizing its extensive experience in the maritime sector to boost maritime services and infrastructure in the outer islands. This additional financing will improve maritime safety accessibility and connectivity to help deliver vital socioeconomic benefits for the people of Nui.At present only some of Tuvalus outer islands can safely receive the workboats needed to ferry people and cargo from ship to shore. Because of the lack of workboat harbors in the outer islands the transfer of passengers and the navigation of ships through channels is dangerous and has resulted in fatalities or economic losses.ADBs project is building small workboat harbors in Nukulaelae and Niutao and rehabilitating boat ramps in Niutao and Nanumaga while strengthening the operation and maintenance of these harbors and developing a transport sector master plan for the country.With a population of about 11600 people Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote of ADBs members with an economy heavily reliant on maritime transport to access goods and essential social services.ADBs program of assistance in Tuvalu focuses on improving outer-island port facilities enhancing information and communication technology building disaster resilience promoting renewable energy sources and sustaining good fiscal management.ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous inclusive resilient and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966 it is owned by 68 members49 from the region.
