Western Province to see more projects handed over
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Premier of Western Province, Honorable Billy Veo, has officially revealed that a series of major infrastructure projects funded under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) are scheduled for a formal handover next month.
The announcement during the first sitting of the Western Provincial Assembly (WPA) in Gizo that marks a significant milestone for the Western Provincial Government (WPG), which recently achieved a historic turnaround by qualifying for the 2025/2026 PCDF assessment with one of the highest scores in the country.
This qualification has unlocked vital funding for community-focused developments that have been in the pipeline across the province.
While the full list of projects to be handed over will be confirmed in the coming weeks, the Premier emphasized that these developments are a direct result of the government’s commitment to improving service delivery.
The upcoming handovers are expected to include key social and economic infrastructures such as:
Education and Health Facilities: Upgraded classrooms and community clinics designed to improve access to basic services in rural wards.
Water and Sanitation: Several sub-projects aimed at addressing the chronic water security issues facing communities throughout the Western Province.
Administrative Buildings: New and renovated provincial offices to decentralize governance and bring services closer to the people.
Premier Veo highlighted that the successful completion of these projects is a testament to the “rock solid” stability of the current executive and the hard work of the provincial planning and treasury teams.
“These are not just buildings; they are symbols of our determination to move this province forward,” the Premier stated.
He noted that the PCDF remains a crucial mechanism for grassroots development because of its strict accountability framework, ensuring that every dollar spent translates into a tangible benefit for the people of Western Province.
The handover comes as the Western Province prepares to implement its 10-year Strategic Plan (2026–2035).
Premier Veo has frequently advocated for more national resources to be channeled through the PCDF model, citing its effectiveness in delivering results compared to other funding streams.
“Our philosophy is simple: if we want to grow our economy, we must build the foundation first,” Veo added, referencing his recent focus on connecting farmers, fishers, and tourism operators to markets through better infrastructure.
The formal handover ceremonies are expected to take place across various wards throughout next month, with high-level delegations from both the provincial and national governments anticipated to attend.
