BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG) is optimistic about passing the 2023/2024 Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) assessment after three years of disqualification from the funding program.

The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) recently conducted the PCDF assessment in the province, and the results are expected soon.

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, acknowledged that for the past three financial years—2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023—the MUPG failed to implement tangible projects under the program due to its disqualification.

He admitted that this failure had let the people of the province down but assured them that his government is determined to reverse the situation and reinstate the province in the program this year.

“The PCDF assessment has been completed, and we are now waiting for the results. We prepared thoroughly for the assessment, and we are hopeful of achieving a positive outcome for the province,” Siapu said.

The premier added that the province’s revised budget, initially planned for tabling, has been delayed until the PCDF results are released. This will allow for necessary adjustments to the budget based on the outcome of the assessment.

Siapu also noted that divisional heads within the MUPG are already working on preparations for the revised budget. If the province passes the assessment, the final budget will incorporate projects and services to benefit the people of Makira Ulawa Province.

He projected that the revised budget would be tabled before the New Year in 2025.