Speech by RAMSI Special Coordinator Tim George at the opening of the IPAM building (6 August 2007)

It is a privilege to be a part of today - opening a building named in honour of the late Hon Joses Sanga, who left us only a short time ago during his tenure as Minister for the Public Service.

His passing was a great loss to this nation and in naming this building the Hon Joses W. Sanga IPAM Building, it is hoped that IPAM and the activities of training and learning that it will house over the years to come may provide a lasting tribute - not only to the commitment, vision and leadership which the late Sanga brought to the task of rebuilding the Solomon Islands Public Service, but to the very real sacrifices he made on behalf of his nation. In doing so, I would like to acknowledge the presence of Mrs Taeasi Sanga who is with us here today.

Today’s opening is the culmination of three years hard work. It began in September 2004, with the signing of a Record of Understanding between AusAID and the Solomon Islands Government to undertake a range of infrastructure improvements under the RAMSI Machinery of Government Program.  

These included: improvements to the Prime Minister’s Office Building, and refurbishment of this building, the former Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation building, to accommodate the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM).

The first phase, the refurbishment of the Prime Minister’s Office was completed earlier this year.

Today, we witness the completion of the second phase of that commitment: the launch of the refurbished IPAM building – a SB$6 million project.

The IPAM building has an interesting and diverse history.
The three feet thick walls of this room are reminders of its time as a Colonial period prison, while the vast cabling dug up during the renovation and ‘on-air signs’ taken down tell the time of its days accommodating the voice of Solomon Islands - SIBC.

The building’s current reincarnation as IPAM, providing a home to train the public servants of the future is perhaps the best way for IPAM to also stand the test of time - a physical symbol of the progress towards rebuilding and strengthening of the Solomon Islands Public Service.

The completion of this project is a chance to acknowledge the progress which has been achieved through the close partnership between Solomon Islands Government and the Regional Assistance Mission. Over the past three years the RAMSI Machinery of Government Program has been assisting the Government to repair and reform the structures, systems and processes of government, and support their effective operation so that Government is: more accountable to the people; more responsive to the people and, more efficient and effective.

A reinvigorated IPAM has already conducted over 60 courses. This includes 13 courses conducted in the provinces to 430 people. Training has ranged from public service induction courses, senior executive development, records management and financial management. These are the critical elements of rebuilding the capacity of Solomon Islands public servants to deliver services to the people. In total, some 2000 public servants have received training.

RAMSI has also provided assistance to IPAM to develop its organisational framework and operations. This includes building the capacity of IPAM staff to independently design, deliver and evaluate training.

In keeping with RAMSI’s commitment to maximising the economic benefit of its investments to the people of the Solomon Islands, the building refurbishment of IPAM has used local labour and materials wherever possible. Project design and supervision was undertaken by Sakhiwe Consultants and Wantok Architecture.

The design of the building was amended to make an open plan office, increase ventilation and light, and create an entrance structure. This not only makes for an environment good for learning, but also aims to reduce the building’s running costs.

The completion of this refurbishment and fit-out marks another important milestone both materially and symbolically on the journey to bring effective and accountable government to the people of the Solomon Islands – a journey that we all are taking together.

It is with great pleasure that I join with the PM, the Minister and other dignitaries today in the opening of the late Hon Joses W Sanga IPAM Building.

Thank you.