EBRD supports Bulgarian water sector PPP

James Campbell of Bermuda Hospitals Board and Ian Bendall of Davis LLP

With only one acute hospital on its shores, Bermuda’s healthcare has not always been at the forefront of government priorities. However, the country is now financially able to broaden its primary infrastructure, and the redevelopment of King Edward VII Memorial hospital is its largest ever public infrastructure project. James Campbell and Ian Bendall discuss the unique level of government support for the redevelopment, and the innovative solutions found in response to the project’s challenges.

Alecos Michaelides, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works

The Larnaka and Pafos Airport development was Cyprus’ first major public-private partnership deal. But a long delay after the bidding process meant costs had increased when the government began negotiations with the winning bidder, reducing the percentage concession fee. Alecos Michaelides explains how the government overcame these challenges, and how the privatisation of Cyprus’ airports has affected the economy.

Dr Rueben Devlin, President and CEO of Humber River Hospital and Mike Marasco, CEO of Plenary Group

Advancing healthcare through PPPs has now become international best practice and plays a crucial role in how hospitals are managed. Humber River Hospital in Canada will be one of the country’s largest acute care facilities when it opens in 2015. Dr Rueben Devlin and Mike Marasco explain how assembling best-in-class partners and a unique financing solution have facilitated the development of a technologically advanced, sustainable hospital which will serve the needs of its community.

Anthony Coumidis, Director of Engineering and Sustainability, McBains Cooper Group

The UK’s Gloucestershire constabulary headquarters was commissioned through a PPP project with a focus on sustainability. Leading interdisciplinary consultancy McBains Cooper Group acted as consultant to ensure these needs were met several years after occupation. Anthony Coumidis explains how it has future-proofed the building against energy rises, at a time when green measures were considered risky and expensive, by introducing sustainability at an early design stage.

Michael Thirkettle, Chief Executive, McBains Cooper Group

In 2010, the Mexican Ministry of Security set out to develop eight prisons, each housing 2,500 inmates, the biggest PPP project in Latin America at the time. UK consultancy McBains Cooper Group was brought in as technical advisor. Chief Executive Michael Thirkettle explains how its role went far beyond construction to establish a new design and structure in prison management.

Thomas Maier and Sue Barrett, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has become the largest financial investor in a region that stretches from central Europe and the Western Balkans to central Asia. Thomas Maier and Sue Barrett discuss St Petersburg’s Western High Speed Diameter road project; the challenges of developing PPP projects in Russia and the expertise that the EBRD brings to such agreements.

Magdalene Apenteng and Fifi Kwetey, Ghana’s Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning

In 2012, the World Bank pledged $30m to help Ghana develop capacity for public-private partnerships, generate bids, and execute projects to an international standard. Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Economic Strategy Fifi Kwetey, and the Director of the Ministry’s Public Investment Division Magdalene Apenteng, discuss the country’s PPP framework, their efforts to forge partnerships with domestic and international partners, and the current project pipeline.

Clive Docwra, Director and Head of PPP, McBains Cooper Group

The construction of 14 school units in the Attica region of Greece was one of the first schools PPP projects in the country. McBains Cooper Group acted as lender’s technical advisor and independent certifier. Clive Docwra outlines the challenges and rewards of bringing UK expertise in the educational model to Greece, and the advantages of McBains Cooper’s interdisciplinary way of working in the successful delivery of the project.

Dr Alex Otti, Group Managing Director and CEO, Diamond Bank PLC

Nigeria’s Diamond Bank has weathered the recent financial crisis well, returning to profitability this year and occupying a strong position in the market. Dr Alex Otti outlines its principled stand to empower people and grow small businesses, without sacrificing its leading role in the country’s large energy sector.