Western Province views the transition towards ‘Statehood’ as an evolving and gradual process.
Thats according to the Premier of Western Province (WP) Billy Veo when his delegation met with Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele last week.
Premier Veo made the assurance during a courtesy call to Prime Minister Manele at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).
Contrary to recent social media reports suggesting that Western Province had set 2027 as a deadline for achieving statehood, Premier Veo emphasized that his executive government supports a governance system that responds to the expectations of its people.
“We understand that the journey towards statehood is a process that evolves over time—it cannot happen overnight,” Premier Veo stated.
He reiterated his government’s desire for a governance framework that enables effective service delivery, which he believes is essential for any provincial government to be a credible development partner.
Premier Veo also raised the issue of Perpetual Estate (PE) Titles, expressing his government’s desire for these to be returned to the Province.
He noted that regaining these titles over government lands would significantly accelerate the implementation of key development projects in the pipeline.
In response, Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the concerns raised by Premier Veo and addressed them individually.
On the matter of statehood, the Prime Minister echoed the Premier’s sentiments, emphasizing that the transition cannot occur overnight due to various valid reasons, including the unequal resource capacities across provinces.
Regarding the issue of land ownership, Prime Minister Manele assured Premier Veo that a joint Cabinet paper from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) is being prepared to determine a way forward.
The Prime Minister further agreed that a practical and responsive governance system is essential to delivering meaningful outcomes to the people.
PM Manele also affirmed that Provincial Governments must be recognized as key partners in development, not merely as agents of the central government.
He added that once the SEZ Bill is enacted, appropriate reforms will follow to align with this approach.
Premier Billy Veo is one of the longest serving MPAs in our Provincial Government System.
– OPMC
