BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Sagupari led Government of Change and Rural Transformation (GCRT) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving infrastructure and driving economic empowerment across Central province.
This forms a key part of the provincial government’s policy direction, which aims to empower communities and encourage self-reliance.
Speaking at the recent full assembly meeting in Tulagi, Premier Kenneth Sagupari outlined his government’s priorities for the upcoming financial year.
These include improving rural infrastructure, strengthening healthcare and education services, and promoting economic initiatives to support self-reliance among citizens.
Premier Sagupari said the government has introduced several key initiatives to improve livelihoods across Central province over the next five to ten years.
Among the initiatives highlighted are:
- Strategic Master Planning:
The government will table a 10-year Strategic Plan, alongside master plans for the Pavuvu mini township and the Hakama Agricultural Growth Centre. These plans, which focus on tourism and infrastructure development, have already been submitted to the executive government for initial discussions. - Modernisation of Tulagi:
A concept plan for a 30 to 40-room hotel linking Bangai Island is currently underway. Once implemented, the project is expected to serve as a key architectural feature in the modernisation of the provincial capital. - Accountability Measures:
The provincial executive has mandated a series of audits, including financial, compliance, operational, internal, and forensic audits. These will be carried out across all non-devolved ministries, including police, health, and education, to ensure transparency and accountability in service delivery. - International Partnerships:
The government is finalising a sister-province agreement with Hubei Province. A delegation is expected to travel in the coming months to formalise the partnership in the second quarter of 2026. Strengthening investment partnerships with both foreign and national investors remains a top priority to boost economic potential. - Sustainable Energy Development:
Consultations will begin on Savo Island regarding the proposed geothermal project. The government says community voices will play a key role in guiding investment decisions. A feasibility study from the Ministry of Mines and Energy is already available to support this process. - Provincial Ordinances:
The government is prioritising the tabling of several provincial ordinances, expected in the first or second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, pending progress by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Premier Sagupari also revealed that he has joined other provincial premiers in submitting revised PAMSAD entitlements.
He added that consultations involving the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) will be conducted to finalise the review.
The revised entitlements are expected to take effect either in this year’s national government’s supplementary budget or in the 2027 budget.
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