Ascension : Press Release - 16.63 million Euros for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan
Submitted by The Islander (Public Relations Information Office) 05.02.2009 (Article Archived on 19.02.2009)

The European Union has earmarked 16.63 million Euros, which amounts to more than £15.5 million, at the current exchange rate, from the European Development Fund for St Helena and its Dependencies.

The European Union has earmarked 16.63 million Euros, which amounts to more than £15.5 million, at the current exchange rate, from the European Development Fund for St Helena and its Dependencies. St Helena, Ascension and Tristan have received EDF funding in the past, but this is the largest amount of money they have been awarded at any one time. Dr Corinda Essex, Chief Development Officer, described this as excellent news.

For St Helena, this will allow for the crucial development of a safer landing facility (including breakwater, slip way and sheltered landing area) and improved sea defences in James Bay. It will also provide funds for major road rehabilitation and the establishment of a preventative road maintenance programme.

Ascension Island will benefit from road upgrading, and monies will be awarded to Tristan da Cunha for further harbour improvements; investigation of alternative energy potential; upgrading of water, waste management and electricity distribution infrastructure; and capacity building relating to the management of the lobster factory.

St Helena was the first of all Overseas Territories to submit its detailed 130+ page bid for funding and the Development and Economic Planning Department was congratulated by the EU on the quality of this document.

The bid will now be looked at by various officials in the EU before final approval is given to release the funding. It is expected that funding will become available in 2010.

Public Relations/Information Office

Office of the Chief Secretary

2 February 2009