Wakayama Prefecture advances regional infrastructure PFI projects

Wakayama Prefecture is pursuing several public-private partnership (PFI) initiatives to revitalize regional infrastructure.

In southern Wakayama City, the prefecture is considering new management models for the Wakayama Marina. Due to aging facilities and the limitations of current short-term management contracts, the prefecture aims to implement long-term operating structures lasting 20 to 30 years. This shift is intended to encourage private sector investment in equipment and services, including dining, retail, and marine leisure programs. Potential methods include PFI, land sales, or long-term land leases, with a new operator expected to begin operations in fiscal 2030.

Meanwhile, Kushimoto Town has restarted the public tender for a large-scale integrated project near the Kushimoto Interchange. The project involves the development of a roadside station (Michi-no-Eki), a park, and a new crematorium with a service fee cap of 42.8 billion yen. This re-tendering follows the cancellation of a previous preferred negotiator's status after a consortium member withdrew. The integrated facility is designed to serve as a disaster prevention hub, featuring solar power and emergency facilities capable of operating for 72 hours during crises.