A two-week capacity building programme focused on project and risk management in public works has begun for Tanzanian officials at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie. The programme, running from May 6th to 17th 2024, is being delivered by the NCGG in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 39 participants from Tanzania’s public sector are attending, representing various organisations including the National Roads Agency, Ministry of Energy, and the Tanzania Railway Corporation. The NCGG, an Indian government agency, aims to share best practices and knowledge in governance. This programme will provide insights into how India plans and executes public works projects, while also fostering closer ties between the two nations. Officials will gain expertise in areas like project selection, risk management, and public-private partnerships. The programme also includes visits to key infrastructure projects in India, such as dams, highways, and the Delhi Metro. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shri V. Srinivas, Director General of the NCGG, highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange. He emphasised the role of technology in improving governance and public service delivery. Mr. George Nsavike Ndatta, Head of the Tanzanian delegation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and believes the programme…
SDI Presence, a technology consulting and managed services provider, has secured three key technology contracts with the City of Palm Springs. These wins mark a significant milestone for SDI and solidify its commitment to excellent IT consultancy and project management. The first project involves providing Project Management Services for the City’s Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) replacement. SDI’s expertise in public safety systems ensures a smooth implementation that aligns with the City’s goals and improves service delivery to the community. Secondly, SDI will provide consulting services for the City’s Human Resources (HR)/Payroll/Timekeeping system implementation. Optimizing HR software is crucial for efficient workforce management, especially with ongoing retirements, turnover, and new hires. By streamlining HR processes, improving accuracy, and fostering a productive work environment, this new technology will benefit the entire organization. Finally, SDI will spearhead the development of a comprehensive Information Technology Strategic Plan (ITSP) for the City. Leveraging their extensive experience with over 200 IT Strategic Plans delivered in the past two decades, SDI will work closely with City leadership to create a robust plan for the next three to five years. This plan will focus on aligning with the City’s vision, enhancing operational efficiency, and…
The UK Government has announced a significant investment of £11.5 million to revitalise local water infrastructure in England. This funding injection, delivered through the Water Environment Improvement Fund (WEIF), will be further amplified by contributions from organisations like the National Lottery and local wildlife trusts, bringing the total potential investment to £23 million. This initiative targets 180 local projects across the country, focusing on critical areas like river restoration, flood protection, and strategic tree planting. Examples include: This investment is projected to improve and protect an additional 300 kilometers of English rivers, alongside the creation and restoration of roughly 160 hectares of inland and coastal waters. Collaborative Approach for a Healthier Environment The WEIF program prioritises collaborative efforts. Catchment partnerships, a key component of this initiative, bring together various stakeholders like government bodies, local authorities, landowners, environmental NGOs, farmers, universities, and water companies. This collaborative approach leverages local expertise and knowledge for impactful results. Water Minister Robbie Moore MP said: These local catchment partnerships do excellent work and I am pleased that we are able to give this additional funding to help deliver projects where rivers need it most. It builds on recent measures to clean up our rivers including…
The Provincial Government of Batangas, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) CALABARZON Region, has launched Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) to address food and water security concerns in the face of El Niño threats. This initiative falls under the “Risk Resiliency Program – Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation through Cash for Training/Work (RRP-CCAM CFTW)”. It aims to provide a long-term solution for the five targeted towns: Lian, Rosario, San Juan, Santo Tomas City, and Tingloy. The program kicked off in Lian, implemented by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) from April 1 to 20, 2024. A total of 435 beneficiaries, consisting of farmers and fishermen from various people’s organizations, participated. The project comprised three key phases: On April 30, 2024, a payout of ₱4,089,000.00 was distributed, with each beneficiary receiving ₱9,400.00 as compensation for their twenty days of work. This program not only strengthens community preparedness but also empowers participants financially. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office actively supported PGENRO in implementing the initiative. Additionally, collaboration…
The Labour Party in the United Kingdom has outlined its manifesto for renationalising the railways should it come into power after the next General Election. This potential major project proposes a unified and simplified governance structure for the railways, placing passengers at the forefront. It advocates for bringing train operators under public ownership and control. Britain’s railways are an iconic part of the country’s heritage, enabling travel, connection, and economic opportunity for centuries. However, Labour recognises the current frustrations passengers face. Public ownership is seen as a practical solution to improve services where they have fallen short. Labour points to instances where even the Conservative government has brought franchises into public ownership, such as TransPennine Express. Additionally, they reference the public ownership of infrastructure established by the last Labour Government after the collapse of Railtrack. To achieve high service standards, a new body, Great British Railways, will be established. Led by rail professionals, it will be responsible for day-to-day operations, ensuring infrastructure and services work together, and driving innovation for passengers and freight users. Labour’s plan aims to improve the railways for both passengers and taxpayers. It envisions a decade of growth, innovation, and service improvements, with the railways playing…
The UK government is putting its pedal to the metal on transport innovation, launching a new round of the Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) competition. With a £1.3 million pot up for grabs, the competition aims to unearth and fund cutting-edge projects that can transform the country’s transport landscape. Decarbonisation, Aviation and Technology Minister, Anthony Browne, said: “As part of our plan to improve transport across the country, we’re continuing to back the TRIG competition which has funded hundreds of cutting-edge projects over more than a decade. “Today’s competition launch means projects in their early stages can win tens of thousands of pounds to help improve transport and support skilled UK jobs in the process.” Funding Innovation Across the Transport Spectrum: Organisations and academics can now apply for grants of up to £45,000. This year’s competition prioritizes projects focused on specific areas: TRIG: A Proven Catalyst for Progress: The TRIG competition boasts a decade-long history of success. Over 400 companies have received funding exceeding £14 million, leading to a diverse range of solutions. From improving accessibility to revolutionizing freight delivery, TRIG-backed projects are making a real difference. Erika Lewis, Chief Executive at Connected Places Catapult, said: “Innovation is at the…
