BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Asilaua-led Malaita Economic Cooperation and Transformative Government (MECTG) has expressed its appreciation for ward development initiatives proposed by individual Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs).

As a responsible government, the MECTG recognizes and values these ward-level projects, which are integral to its bottom-up ward development policy. This policy encourages all MPAs—whether from the executive or non-executive branches—across the 33 wards of Malaita Province to actively pursue development projects for their communities.

Acknowledging the limitations of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program, the MECTG emphasizes that not all wards will receive PCDF-supported projects, even within a four-year term. Therefore, MPAs, through their Ward Development Committees (WDCs), are urged to proactively seek alternative projects and funding opportunities to address their communities’ needs.

In addition, the MECTG highlights the importance of community projects that align with the national government’s GNUT rural development policy or the priorities of national line ministries. Key areas of need include school development, water supply, and sanitation projects, which are critical for many of Malaita’s wards.

Other initiatives, such as fisheries and agriculture projects, are also encouraged, provided they meet the specific needs of the communities and contribute to sustainable development in the province.

The executive government remains ready to endorse project proposals from MPAs, ensuring that viable initiatives brought forward through their WDCs can help drive development across Malaita Province.