Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP has underscored the National Government’s commitment to strengthening provincial development, deepening partnerships, and advancing key reforms during his address at the Western Province Second Appointed Day Anniversary celebrations held in Seghe, Marovo, this morning.
Prime Minister Manele congratulated Premier Billy Veo, his executive, leaders and people of Western Province for their ongoing contributions to national development.
He highlighted this year’s theme, “Inclusive Development through Community Partnerships,” noting its strong alignment with the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) policy pillars, which focus on unity and stability, economic transformation, infrastructure development, and human capital growth.
“Development cannot occur in isolation. It must be built through partnerships at community, provincial, national, and international levels,” the Prime Minister explained.
PM Manele also commended Western Province for its outstanding performance under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF). Since 2008, the province has successfully delivered 408 projects valued at SBD70.6 million, benefitting more than 60% of its population. With this strong track record, the province has again qualified for the 2025/26 PCDF allocation, approving 31 new projects worth SBD19 million, focusing on economic infrastructure, education, youth programs, and health services.
He also addressed key governance issues, noting progress toward the review of the Provincial Government Act 1997, the development of a Revenue Sharing Scheme, and ongoing discussions around integrating CDFs and PCDFs. He further acknowledged efforts by the Western Provincial Government on the Perpetual Estate transfer and commended the province’s financial commitment to completing ward profiles for its Ten-Year Strategic Plan 2025–2035.
The Prime Minister further announced major national infrastructure projects earmarked for Western Province including upgrades to Gizo Wharf, design work for Viru Wharf, Gizo road maintenance, construction of Uzamba and Barakoma bridges in Vella, and rehabilitation of the North New Georgia road. He highlighted ongoing CAUSE 2 and SIRAP 2 works, and new health infrastructure including the Gizo Level Two Medical Store and planned provincial medical store in Noro.
PM Manele thanked Western Province for its contributions to the economy- particularly in forestry, fisheries, and tourism and called for continued unity and stability as the foundation for national progress. He urged leaders and communities to embrace collaboration in shaping a prosperous future for the province and the country.
Prime Minister Manele was accompanied by the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Hon. Wayne Ghemu and Member of Parliament for Marovo Constituency Hon. Chachabule Amoi.
