MALAITA Province is qualified again for the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program after a two-year hiatus.
A recent report indicated that the province had previously failed to meet three minimum conditions.
These included the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) failure to scrutinize the 2020-2021 Audit Report within 21 days of receiving the audit opinion, issues related to procurement and outstanding payments for ward-funded projects from 2019-2020 to 2022-2023.
The province’s disqualification from the PCDF program for the fiscal year of 2023-2024 led to a drastic reduction in its capital expenditure from SBD10 million to SBD2 million.
This affected its ability to implement approximately 30 approved projects for the financial year.
It also caused setbacks for rural communities that were eagerly anticipating the execution of these projects.
However, following a PCDF assessment conducted last month, Malaita Province now meets the necessary criteria for qualification.
Premier Elijah Asilaua expressed his satisfaction with the assessment results, stating, “It appears that the province has qualified for the PCDF this year.”
Premier Asilaua emphasized the significance of this achievement, especially when considering the adverse effects of the previous disqualification.
He referred to the recent PCDF assessment results as great news for both the Malaita Provincial government and people of Malaita.
Premier Asilaua said the provincial government is expected to hold a revised budget meeting next month when new projects under the PCDF for the upcoming fiscal year will be discussed.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
