FORMER Premier of Western Province, David Gina, is deeply concerned over the Western Provincial Government’s (WPG’s) decision to establish a new Western Provincial Investment Cooperation (WPIC) Committee often referred to as “The Monster.”
Speaking to Solomon Star on Monday, Mr Gina said he believes that to proceed with the establishment of the new committee without proper evaluation reports from the Ministry of the Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the Western Provincial Government (WPG) could be ‘dangerous.’
The former premier raised his concern after a recent tour conducted by the Western Provincial Government (WPG) officials to the villages in every ward of the province to carry out a Ward Profiling exercise.
The tenure of the members of the previous WPIC Committee has lapsed, warranting the appointment of new commitee members.
Mr Gina said the evaluation reports in question are intended to assess the impact of the Western Development Corporation (WDC) dividends from its business engagements, the villages and the delivery of services provided by the National Government.
He emphasised the need to determine whether the WPIC has indeed generated positive outcomes for communities in the province or has been a self-serving entity, benefiting only those involved in its design.
Speaking from his ward – Ward 17 (Munda), Mr Gina highlighted that there were allocations made to his ward in the past years for projects but the allocations were never disbursed.
He further pointed out that the previous Provincial Government that took over from the Provincial Government he led failed to provide evaluation reports on the outputs and objectives of the WPIC.
Mr Gina said transparency is paramount and a comprehensive case study must be conducted before any further advancement of the WPIC model is made.
He added that evaluation reports are crucial to determine the effectiveness and capabilities of the WPIC model.
Mr Gina said without such reports, it would be a challenge to assess the functionality and success of the system.
“The importance of understanding how the specialists involved are effectively working within the design of the WPIC mode is significant.
“I believe the formation of a new committee for the WPIC should be put on hold until the necessary evaluation reports from the previous government are prepared.
“The public deserves to know the details of past projects and accomplishments for the benefit of the people of Western Province.
“There is need for transparency and accountability in the establishment and operation of the Western Provincial Investment Cooperation.
“The evaluation reports from the previous government will provide essential insights and pave the way for a more informed decision-making process concerning the future of the WPIC and its impact on the people of Western Province,” the former Premier said.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
