The Western Provincial Assembly has passed a revised budget of $40.2 million ($224,244.00) for the 2025/2026 financial year — an increase from the previous $36.7 million allocation.
Presenting the budget during the Assembly meeting held since Monday and Friday Finance Minister Hon. Ronnie Ghemu said the adjustment reflects Western Province’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, stronger revenue collection, and sustainable development.
He clarified that the revision was based on new revenue forecasts, confirmed funding inflows, and compliance requirements from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).
To meet the 42% economic sector threshold, the government reallocated funds from the Nusa Banga Water Supply Project to the Mile Six Farm Project, bringing its total allocation to $677,040.
Ghemu said the budget realignment aims to boost high-impact and revenue-generating projects, while maintaining realistic fiscal targets by excluding uncollected revenue estimates.
Key allocations include:
Office of the Premier: $426,000
Provincial Assembly: $191,615
Agriculture Division: $280,556
Ward Development (15 & 17): $262,403
Health (PCDF): $184,412
Works & Transport (PCDF): $408,342
The Minister said enforcement will be strengthened, with a new Legal Officer to recover outstanding business licence fees and property rates.
“This is not a new budget,” Ghemu said. “It fine-tunes our priorities and positions Western Province for responsible governance and inclusive growth,” he added.
BY ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
