Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale with Makira-Ulawa Premier Hon. Stanley Siapu and members of the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Executive following their meeting at OPMC today.
PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthening provincial governments and supporting Makira-Ulawa Province to unlock its economic and development potential.
The Prime Minister made the assurance during a meeting with Makira-Ulawa Premier Hon. Stanley Siapu and his executive today, who presented the province’s development priorities and aspirations.
Prime Minister Wale said the Government’s reform agenda is focused on giving provinces greater responsibility, resources, functions and human capacity to deliver services closer to the people.
He said the Government will continue work on strengthening the provincial government system, including consideration of revenue-sharing arrangements and further review of the legislative framework governing provincial governments.
“Rather than getting stuck on titles such as state or federal government, we need to look at what can realistically be transferred to provinces, and ensure you have the resources and capacity to perform those functions,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Wale receiving a traditional gift from Premier Hon. Stanley Siapu after their meeting, reflecting the strong partnership and goodwill between both governments
Premier Siapu, in response, reassured the Prime Minister that the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government is firmly behind the GREAT Coalition Government, expressing strong support for its reform and empowerment agenda.
“The direction being taken by the national government aligns closely with the goals and aspirations of my PACRA Government, particularly its focus on reform, employment, accountability and transformation.
“Makira-Ulawa province welcomed the opportunity to work closely with the national government to translate these priorities into tangible development outcomes for the people of Makira-Ulawa,” Premier Siapu said.
The Premier also outlined several priority projects, including development of Kirakira Township, a new provincial administration complex, improved roads and bridges, a new hospital, renewable energy, maritime connectivity, tourism, agriculture, land administration and economic infrastructure.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the priorities and directed the province to work closely with relevant national ministries to undertake the necessary technical assessments, designs and costings.
He said properly prepared projects could be considered for inclusion in the Government’s development budget, particularly as the 2027 budget cycle gets underway.
The Prime Minister also highlighted national initiatives in education, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and maritime transport that could benefit Makira-Ulawa.
He encouraged the provincial executive to work jointly with national ministries and return with costed and technically assessed proposals to ensure priority projects can progress.
Prime Minister Wale said the partnership between the national and provincial governments is critical to advancing the Government’s reform agenda and delivering meaningful development to communities across Makira-Ulawa and the country.
