The Government will table the Provincial Government Amendment (PGA) Bill during this year’s sitting of Parliament.
This was confirmed by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele during a press conference at the Cabinet Office on Monday.
PM Manele explained that while the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) continues its work on the Constituent Assembly towards a federal and state government system, it is also reviewing the Provincial Government Act.
The goal, he said, is to increase the delegation of powers to provinces—potentially offering a similar level of autonomy envisioned under the future state government framework.
“The anticipated changes would include enhanced devolution of powers and new revenue-sharing modalities that would grant provincial governments greater authority,” PM Manele stated.
He acknowledged the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) as a successful tool over the last 16 years, enabling provincial governments to implement 1,663 economic and social infrastructure projects across the country.
“The PCDF has strengthened the capacity of provinces. However, with the evolving national context, it now needs to be refreshed and better aligned with current provincial development priorities,” he added.
PM Manele noted that a recent review of the PCDF has been completed and called on the responsible ministry to submit the report to Cabinet for consideration.
“I urge the Ministry to bring the PCDF review report to Cabinet as soon as possible,” he said.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star News, Honiara
