What is TSSP?
Program Overview
TSSP continues the Australian Government’s long term commitment
to the transport infrastructure sector in Papua New Guinea (roads,
airports and ports). AusAID has allocated around $AUD50 million each
year for TSSP initiatives .
TSSP commenced in July 2007. It is envisaged that the Program will
be in place for 10-15 years. The first phase is set at five years.
TSSP offers a flexible, rolling-design model. It operates
under GoPNG leadership; policies, strategies, plans, systems; and
processes. It is assisting to build capacity within transport
sub-sector organisations, whilst retaining appropriate checks and
balances.
TSSP is assisting both the Australian and Papua New Guinea
Governments to:
- shift from a focus on maintenance to an emphasis on capacity building and institutional strengthening as part of a holistic approach to supporting maintenance
- maintain existing levels of investment in the transport infrastructure sector while encouraging the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) to take increasing responsibility for infrastructure maintenance funding and become less dependent on donor support
- over time, and working at a pace that organisations can support and sustain, assisting the GoPNG in developing a broader sector wide approach.
The GoPNG routinely allocates an annual budget for transport sector expenditure and offers in-kind support to TSSP by enabling TSSP and counterpart officers to work side by side.
In summary, the emphasis of TSSP is directed towards improving governance (including transparency and accountability in government procurement), public sector management and technical capacity building, and institutional strengthening, while continuing to provide funding support for priority maintenance and rehabilitation works.
TSSP Goal and Objectives
The goal of TSSP is to ensure improved governance and performance
in GoPNG’s delivery of transport infrastructure services through
effective use of resources.
The four main objectives of TSSP are:
- To support operational reform in the transport sector agencies through improved public sector administration and reform programs.
- To strengthen linkages between the transport sector agencies and central agencies so that service delivery and reform programs are actively supported.
- To support improved performance of provincial, district and local level governments to deliver transport services in selected locations.
- To support delivery of an affordable, contestable and prioritised national transport network.
Coordination
TSSP activities are coordinated, at the highest level, by the Transport Sector Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation Committee (TSCMIC).
Membership of the TSCMIC comprises:
- Department of Transport
- Department of Works
- Civil Aviation Authority
- PNG Ports Corporation Ltd
- National Maritime Safety Authority
- National Road Authority
- National Road Safety Council
- Department of National Planning and Monitoring
- Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council
- Department of Treasury
- Department of Finance.
Program Management
AusAID has contracted:
- a Program Director to oversee TSSP and provide strategic advice and direction
- an Implementing Service Provider – SMEC International Pty Ltd – to support Program implementation
