Reconstructing a Fragile State Institutional Strengthening of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development in Solomon Islands

Abstract

Emerging from the ethnic tensions that tore the Solomon Islands apart from 1998 to 2003, the country’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) faced a number of serious challenges. Given the vast needs in the country it was also called upon to take a leading role in post-conflict reconstruction and providing some of the foundations for economic renewal. This case study examines how capacity issues were addressed within MID in the post-conflict period and how the sense of crisis which prevailed in the country opened up opportunities to explore new institutional arrangements and ways of addressing infrastructure issues. This subseries is published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide the governments of its Pacific developing member countries (PDMCs) with analyses and insights on key issues and lessons learned with respect to capacity development. Cases studied highlight a range of experiences throughout the region by sector, theme, and source of external support, revealing approaches to capacity development that work best and the conditions that have been conducive to their success. They also explore the unique challenges faced by PDMCs in addressing capacity constraints as well as some opportunities facing governments and the people in the Pacific islands. Among other things, the case studies underline the importance of PDMC leadership, engagement of local partners, strategic attention to long-term capacity issues, and effective use of external resources. We hope that the findings in these reports will help guide future capacity building efforts in the Pacific.