The Guernsey Development Agency is considering a revised ‘Key Infrastructure Delivery Programme’ to refocus its work following the departure of its Chairman.
Peter Watson is standing down from his role this summer, after three years in the role.
When he announced his resignation he said he was “immensely proud” of the work his “small but powerful team” had done to “deliver change, enhance our coastline, invigorate the economy and give young people hope for housing”, but he also criticised how the GDA was set up and its relationship with the States.
During yesterday’s States meeting, Deputy Gavin St Pier pressed the Policy and Resources President on what will happen next, and how Mr Watson’s criticisms are being addressed.
P&R oversees the work of the GDA – and Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez has been quoted as saying “we understand and very much share the frustrations of the GDA’’.
She has now confirmed her committee will be working with the GDA on its new ‘Key Infrastructure Delivery Programme’, which will be discussed with the Political Oversight Group in the coming weeks.
“This will identify opportunities where the GDA can move forward without requiring major strategic decisions by the States, and as part of that discussion the required funding and land transfer steps will also be discussed and agreed that assist in delivering the revised plan,” she explained.
Deputy de Sausmarez stressed that changing the plan some three years after the GDA was set up doesn’t mean it is failing.
She also said that work such as plans to redevelop St Sampson’s Harbour remain a priority.
“Preparation of a revised plan does not signify that the originally presented Key Infrastructure Delivery Programme cannot be delivered in due course,” she said.
“In undertaking this work, the GDA has engaged closely with the States to ensure alignment with the principles and objectives of the relevant strategies and policies which are currently being developed.
“In parallel, work by the relevant committees continues on those interrelated strategic and policy issues. For example, the Policy & Resources Committee has agreed the outline scope for the next stage of the super priority centred on our ‘Future Harbour Requirements’, including specific consideration of one of the GDA’s concerns on bulk cargo activities in St. Sampson’s Harbour. Additionally, recommendations for the delivery of additional electricity interconnection and the Fuel Importation & Storage Policy will be brought by the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure to the States later this year.”
