There is a need for better and improved "vertical and horizontal coordination within the Government Machinery".

Speaking at the launch of the government's Translation and Implementation Framework yesterday, Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua acknowledged that the infrastructure development in the country "has always been and will continue to be a challenge to our development endeavours".

"The government is firmly committed to address this challenge," the Prime Minister said.

He said that the construction of new airports, refurbishment of existing roads, bridges, air fields and wharves, installation of communication facilities, and the introduction of appropriate legislations to encourage competition in the provision of communication services, are all aimed at infrastructure development.

Dr. Sikua said that the importance of infrastructure development cannot be taken for granted as "it is a crucial and necessary prerequisite for economic development".

"Infrastructure creates and increases the opportunities for our people to discover their economic potential and to be better involved in economic activities," the Prime Minister said.