BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Provincial Assembly has passed a total revised budget estimate of SB40,224,244.00 for 2025/2026 fiscal year development and service deliveries.
The overall budget is from a recurrent expenditure of 21,124,278.00 and recurrent plus other capital expenditures of 19,099,966.00.
The recurrent expenditure allocations are as follows; Office of the Premier [SBD2,401,422.00.00], Provincial Assembly [1,929,648.00], Administration [2,582,225.00], Finance [1,860,916.00], Development Planning [2,916,750.00], Works, Transport & Communication [1,649,785.00], Education [535,558.00], Health and Medical Services [1,110,281.00], Lands [ 1,030,123.00], Commerce [136,083.00], Youth [ 180,489.00], Sports [369,534.00], Culture [ 127,298.00], Women’s Development [269,295.00], Tourism [ 573,342.00], Agriculture and Livestock [ 918,295.00], Fisheries and Marine Resources [189,536.00], Forestry [68,520.00], Environment and Conservation [168,258.00] and Local Council [2,106,920.00].
Capital Expenditure includes; Administration [2,136,828.00], Works, Transport & Communication [ 4,463,800.00], Education [1,975,679.00], Health and Medical Services [2,537,163.00], Commerce and Investment [44,813.00], Youth [1,894,049.00], Agriculture [855,086.00], Fisheries and Marine [260,000.00], General Investment Servicing [1,222,387.00].
Other Capital Expenditure includes Ward Development Grant (WDG] and RCDF Contributions at [3,710,162.00].
The budget estimate went through first reading, secondary reading, intense debate and third reading before it was passed by the whole house.
When presenting the budget, Minister of Finance for Western Provincial Assembly, Ron Kituru Ghemu said the budget estimate reflects the Alliance for Change, Alignment and Rural Economic Advancement (ACAREA) government’s unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, inclusive development and the empowerment of communities across Western Province.
He said the revised budget estimate will enable the provincial government to undertake development and service delivery until the next financial year April 2026.
Ghemu said the revised budget estimates are based on updated revenue projections, confirmed fund inflow, and compliance requirements.
“This process ensures that our financial planning remain responsive, realistic, and aligned with both national and provincial priority standards.
“It is not merely a financial document – it is a strategic roadmap for exclusive growth, responsible governance and community empowerment,” he said.
