Budgeting and planning within the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to evaluate and assess the budgeting and planning process, with respect to infrastructural projects, within the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure (MTI). A random sample of six infrastructural projects was taken in order to represent the applicability of the budgeting and planning system within the Ministry. Design The objectives of this study were attained by conducting a series of interviews with a number of ministerial officials within the MTI and architects within the Roads and Infrastructure Directorate at Transport Malta. The interview schedule were characterised by open-ended questions. The questions were formulated as per the official position of the interviewee. Where possible, the interview questions were held as consistent as possible in order to gather different comparable viewpoints. Findings The budgeting and planning process followed by the MTI with respect to infrastructural projects is as follows: i) Preliminary Estimates and Planning; ii) Budgeting and Approval; iii) Revision of Estimates and Planning. The MTI undertakes two types of projects; nationally funded projects and EU co-funded projects. However, the previously-mentioned process is similar for both types of projects. The process is also in line with the budgeting and planning process followed by the Central Government as well as that followed by the Ministry for Education and the Ministry for Gozo. Differences arise with respect to the rigorous procedure applied in applying for EU funding and with respect to the audit of EU co-funded projects. Another finding was that a multi-disciplinary committee, the EU and National Project Monitoring Committee, was recently set up by the Permanent Secretary within the MTI with the aim to put forward project proposals, monitor capital projects and give recommendations, where required.

Conclusion From this study it was concluded that a budgeting and planning system is inevitable and its importance is invaluable, especially by ministries within the scale of the MTI. Value This study will serve to bridge the gap as to what happens behind closed doors within the MTI. Given that the Ministry is one of the biggest beneficiaries of EU and national funding, due to its undertaking or large infrastructural projects, and given that a manual of procedure is inexistent, the need was felt for an analysis of the budgeting and planning system in order to make people more aware as to what happens to funds allocated to the MTI.