The FSM Prioritised Road Investment & Management Enhancements Project and its sister project, the Strategic Climate Oriented Road Enhancements (SCORE) Project, both serve as the foundation for this undertaking. The ongoing Sustainable Road Infrastructure Investment Project (SRIIP) adds further context, highlighting the need for sustainable infrastructure development in the region.
Recognising the importance of local expertise, SMEC partnered with Palikir Consulting Services (PCS) to ensure a comprehensive understanding of local contexts and needs. The project will focus on assessing existing institutional frameworks, updating legal regulations, and identifying financial resources required for effective road management and development.
The challenges faced by FSM and more broadly Micronesia include its remote location and decentralised governance structure. This underscores the critical need for improved road infrastructure management. With roads serving as lifelines for economic activities and social services, the project aims to address key issues such as limited maintenance capabilities and constrained budget allocations.
The scope of the project encompasses a thorough review of legal and regulatory frameworks, institutional structures, funding mechanisms, and maintenance management systems. Through stakeholder engagement and data collection activities, the project aims to identify shortcomings and propose actionable recommendations for improvement.
SMEC’s approach to the project emphasises quality management and risk assessment, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outcomes while mitigating potential risks associated with the complex operating environment of Micronesia.
While SMEC’s services are focused on Part 1 of the assignment, which entails reviewing institutional and governance arrangements within the road sector, the broader project also includes Part 2, which involves the implementation of prioritised recommendations.
The successful execution of this project is expected to contribute significantly to the sustainable development of Micronesia’s road infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, resilience, and overall socio-economic growth. This project marks a crucial step towards addressing longstanding challenges in road sector management, paving the way for a more efficient and resilient transportation network.