The Western Provincial Assembly (WPA) has convened its latest session at the Western Provincial capital of Gizo on Monday 6th October.
In his opening address Premier Billy Veo announced major financial progress and reaffirming the province’s firm stance against the draft Provincial Government Act (PGA) Bill 2025.
The WPA meeting is held at the Chahcha conference room in Gizo.
In his remarks, Premier Veo proudly revealed that the Western Provincial Government (WPG) has successfully qualified for the 2023/2024 Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) assessment — a significant turnaround after years of disqualification.
The province scored 62 out of 100, the second-highest among all provinces, trailing only Isabel Province, which scored 69.
The premier attributed this success to the Executive Government’s commitment to complete financial statements for the Western Provincial Investment Corporation (WPIC) for the 2020/2021 to 2023/2024 financial years.
He also praised the efforts of the Provincial Accounting Specialist and WPIC Accountant for consolidating both WPG and WPIC financial statements and submitting them to the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) by June 30, 2025.
“The Western Province is the first provincial government or public entity to submit a consolidated financial statement to the OAG — a milestone that met the Minimum Conditions of Qualification (MCQs) for PCDF assessment,” Premier Veo noted.
He commended the Administration, Planning, and Treasury Divisions for their hard work and urged them to maintain their momentum for future assessments.
The Premier also tabled a revised 2025/2026 budget for deliberation and adoption.
He said the revised budget aims to replenish exhausted subheads, capture previously missed revenue, boost capital components, and address shortfalls from the previous financial year’s PCDF qualification.
A major highlight of the session was the province’s position on the draft Provincial Government Act (PGA) Bill 2025.
Premier Veo reported that all nine Provincial Premiers unanimously rejected the Bill during their review meeting in August, citing the exclusion of key elements.
The Premiers have since submitted a joint recommendation to the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and the Prime Minister, calling for the invocation of Section 26 of the current PGA 1997 and the devolution of additional functions in critical areas such as infrastructure, investment, human resource development, and scholarships.
The Assembly meeting runs throughout this week.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
