PM Wale and Makira-Ulawa Executive Discuss Provincial Empowerment and Development Priorities

Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to empowering provincial governments, following a meeting with Makira-Ulawa Premier Hon. Stanley Siapu and his executive in Honiara.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government to present its development priorities and aspirations directly to the Prime Minister, with discussions centred on reforms aimed at strengthening provincial governance and improving service delivery to communities.

Prime Minister Wale said the Government’s reform agenda is focused on giving provinces greater responsibility, resources, functions and human capacity so they can deliver services closer to the people.

He said work will continue to strengthen the provincial government system, including consideration of revenue-sharing arrangements and further review of the legislative framework that governs provincial governments.

“Rather than getting stuck on titles such as state or federal government, we need to look at what can realistically be transferred to provinces, and ensure you have the resources and capacity to perform those functions,” Prime Minister Wale said.

Premier Siapu welcomed the national government’s direction and reaffirmed Makira-Ulawa’s support for the GREAT Coalition Government’s reform and empowerment agenda.

He said the Government’s approach aligns closely with the goals and aspirations of his PACRA Government, particularly its focus on reform, employment, accountability and transformation.

“Makira-Ulawa Province welcomes the opportunity to work closely with the national government to translate these priorities into tangible development outcomes for the people of Makira-Ulawa,” Premier Siapu said

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The province’s priorities include the development of Kirakira Township, a new provincial administration complex, improved roads and bridges, a new hospital, renewable energy, maritime connectivity, tourism, agriculture, land administration and economic infrastructure.

Prime Minister Wale welcomed the proposed priorities and encouraged the provincial executive to work closely with relevant national ministries to undertake the necessary technical assessments, designs and costings.

He said well-prepared projects could be considered for inclusion in the Government’s development budget, particularly as planning begins for the 2027 budget cycle.

The Prime Minister also highlighted national initiatives in education, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and maritime transport that could benefit Makira-Ulawa if aligned with costed and technically assessed provincial proposals.

The discussions underscored the importance of partnership between national and provincial governments in advancing reforms and delivering meaningful development outcomes for communities across Makira-Ulawa and the wider country.