The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has successfully concluded its Ward Validation Workshop in Gizo, marking a significant milestone in efforts to shape the province’s 10-year Strategic Development Plan.
Speaking on behalf of Premier Billy Veo during the closing ceremony on Thursday at the Outback Living, Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena thanked all participants for their active involvement, describing the workshop as a crucial step toward stronger local governance and smarter development planning.
The week-long session brought together all 26 Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), Ward Development Committee (WDC) Chairpersons, Ward Support Officers (WSOs), heads of divisions, technical experts from the national government, and key development partners.
PS Toiraena acknowledged that the program had a challenging start, with some MPAs questioning aspects of the survey and data collection process, but praised participants for resolving their differences and working collaboratively toward a shared outcome.
“This is a good sign. It shows we have a robust and active mix of participants, which is a key ingredient of any effective enterprise,” he said.
He emphasized that the validation process not only strengthened ward-level planning but also promoted collaboration between provincial leaders and community representatives, ensuring that ward priorities were accurately reflected in the province’s long-term plan.
The workshop was facilitated by consultants and technical officers including Mr. Adrian Toni (M&E Specialist), Dr. Morgan Wairiu, Mr. Allen Agasi, Mr. Allen Waitara (IEDCR), and Mr. Wilfred Lemapir (MPGIS). Toiraena commended their guidance and professionalism throughout the week, which ensured the outputs met provincial and national expectations.
Acknowledgement was also extended to the Planning Division staff, Heads of Divisions, and the Outback Living establishment for hosting the event.
Special thanks were given to local women’s groups who catered for participants throughout the week.
Reaffirming the Premier’s earlier message, PS Toiraena described the workshop as a “milestone in the province’s journey toward better governance and smarter development.”
He said the validated ward profiles would serve as “living documents” to guide policy decisions, budgeting, and resource allocation across all wards.
“The onus is upon us to ensure we prioritize, re-prioritize, and allocate resources where necessary to address our development and service delivery gaps,” he further added.
“As we close our week long Ward Profile and Ten‑Year Strategic Plan validation workshop (3rd – 7thOctober 2025), I speak with a deep sense of gratitude and hope.
“I’m overwhelmed with emotions – gratitude, joy, and a sense of accomplishment as we mark another significant milestone in our journey towards developing a brighter future for Western Province.
“One hand cannot clap” — our work this week has proven the truth of this proverb: when we work together, we achieve what alone would be impossible,” Adrian Toni IEDCR M&E Specialist– MPGIS said.
Mr. Toni said over five days they validated 26 ward profiles and the Province’s Ten‑Year Strategic Plan for 2025–2035.
“This was more than checking boxes. It was communities telling their stories — of families rebuilding after storms, of teachers and students seeking safer classrooms, of women and men working the gardens that feed our children.
“Your feedback has sharpened the data, corrected errors, and ensured that the plan reflects real needs and real opportunities. As Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Today we have done important work together,” he concluded.
The workshop’s outcomes are expected to form the foundation of Western Province’s upcoming 10-year Strategic Development Plan, aligning ward priorities with the government’s broader development vision.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
