Veo slams government over delayed PGA review
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Province Premier, Billy Veo has criticised the national government for what he describes as a failure to address long-standing recommendations submitted by provincial premiers on the review of the Provincial Government Act (PGA) 1997.
Speaking during the Western Day celebrations at Seghe this week, he said provincial governments across the country are increasingly frustrated that key issues such as the devolution of powers, a revised revenue-sharing scheme, and other pressing provincial matters continue to be overlooked.
“Intentions of all provinces are clear.
“We want decentralisation of powers and a revised revenue-sharing scheme,” Veo said.
He calls on the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the national cabinet to urgently establish a taskforce that will assess the submission made by premiers and to work towards producing a revised Bill no later than 2026.
In response, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele acknowledged the concerns raised by the premiers and has given his assurance that broader reforms are on the way.
He said the MPGIS will collaborate closely with all nine provincial premiers next year on advancing meaningful reforms to devolve relevant functions and powers to provincial governments.
Manele also confirmed that the Attorney General’s Chambers has cleared the proposed “quick-fix” amendments to the PGA 1997, paving the way for cabinet deliberation.
“I understand that the PGA 1997 needs substantial review. But it is also essential that these reviews are carried out systematically and neatly.
“It is in that regard that more comprehensive reforms will follow the quick-fix proposed amendment to the PGA 1997,” he said.
Manele further revealed that MPGIS has consulted relevant ministries and will re-table the Revenue Sharing Scheme to cabinet early next year.
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