User pay policy considered for transport

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, July 10, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

TO encourage self-sufficiency in operation in overseeing the country’s transportation systems, the Department of Transport is seriously considering the introduction of a user pay policy for the country’s transportation infrastructure in light of huge budgetary constraints that hinder the country vital road networks and maritime assets.

Department Secretary Roy Mumu told the Sunday Chronicle that same as fees charged upon use of the country’s airspace and waterways by air and sea transportation- the department is considering work into user pay models in other countries to trial in the country in all local transport modes as identifies in the National Transport Strategy.

“We’ve identified in the NTS that the budget should not be the only source of financing for the transport sector programs,” Secretary Mumu said.

“We’ve identified in the sector that with development partners’ support, we have also identified user pay principles.”

“For too long we are taking roads for granted that the government’s responsibility is to build roads and maintain it.”

He said despite users paying various fees for road usage- most of the revenues are actually going back to the roads.

“The use of our airspace, or when ships use our waterways these are what it is all about. How can we develop those?”

“It is going to be a challenge going forward- we want to put minimal pressure on the budget which can look at other sectors.”

“The department is seriously looking at it as a policy for a user pay system. We have to,” he said.

Mumu said various lessons were available to be learnt around the world, which could be tailored for the country.

“This is the challenge that I am getting our people to think. Obviously there will be skeptics. It is all about how best we can sustain our operations through asset management principles so that when we manage our assets how can we proceed into ensuring that an asset is sustained.”