Infrastructure indecision
Melanesian governments showed again how difficult it can be to move from strategy to implementation as furore arose around two major projects. In PNG,a USD 40 million deal making Vodaphone Fiji a major stakeholder in troubled BeMobile fell apart in a dispute over who would be contracted to build out new infrastructure for the company. In Vanuatu meanwhile, confusion reigned following the announcement of a USD 350 million airport and resort development scheme. A well-attended press conference cleared the air somewhat, but it remains to be seen whether final approval for the project will pass a parliamentary vote.