Malaita Provincial Planning Development Committee Prepares for Revised Budget

Auki, Malaita — The Provincial Planning Development Committee (PPDC) of Malaita convened for a one-day meeting in Auki to prepare for the provincial revised budget set for next month. The session focused on reviewing the allocation of the Provincial Constituency Development Fund (PCDF) for various development projects within the province, particularly in the social and economic sectors.

Chaired by Hon. Lemuel Kevianga, the Provincial Minister for Finance and Treasury, the PPDC includes chairpersons from 33 wards across Malaita, heads of divisions from the provincial government, and representatives from non-governmental organizations based in Auki. The PPDC serves as the highest committee at the provincial level responsible for project allocations under the PCDF program.

“The purpose of the PPDC is to allocate development for the province,” Minister Kevianga stated, emphasizing the committee's role as the backbone of development. He added that this structure helps prevent political interference in project decisions, ensuring that funds are distributed equitably among the 33 wards of Malaita.

During the meeting, Kevianga announced that allocations would be made for the $11.8 million PCDF funding, which includes projects that have yet to be implemented under the province's three-year rolling plan. He noted that this plan had been approved by the PPDC and endorsed by the assembly, making it a priority for implementation.

Following the meeting, the PPDC will compile a report to submit to the executive for further deliberation, and it will eventually be presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) before being tabled in the assembly. The province anticipates an assembly meeting next month to pass the revised budget for 2023/2024, paving the way for the execution of its PCDF projects.