Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, March 19, 2024 – Prime Minister and Treasurer Hon. James Marape has commended the Fly River (Western) Provincial Government following the presentation of a K460 million Provincial Budget at Sir Manasupe Haus today, underlining a pivotal moment for economic development within the region.
Prime Minister Marape articulated his appreciation for the 2024 Fly River Provincial Government Budget, emphasising the strategic geographical positioning of Western Province due to its proximity to Australia and Indonesia and its vast area of over 98,000 square kilometres.
“The National Government stands ready to support this provincial budget, which is a realistic one that reflects the needs of the province to pave the way in untapping the underlying economic potential it has,” Prime Minister Marape remarked.
The Prime Minister underscored the commitment to advancing substantial projects for the province, facilitated by the National Government, and commended Governor Taboi Awi Yoto’s involvement in landowner negotiations for the P’nyang LNG Project, including the recent Fiscal Stability Agreement signing.
“We have some outstanding projects for the province from National Government perspective which we look forward to delivering this year and onwards,” he said, also praising the PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) for its support in enhancing government efforts related to the Ok Tedi mine landowners and the Daru Town Development Project.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the significance of the Gogodala Arts Festival, a major tourist attraction, in expanding Papua New Guinea’s tourism footprint and fostering economic growth within the Western Province.
Governor Awi Yoto, in presenting the budget, reflected on the notable improvement in GST collection under the current National Government’s leadership, a significant achievement for the province.
“GST collection has remarkably increased for us in recent years, which is a very significant thing for us as a province,” Governor Yoto stated.
He outlined the budget’s focus areas for the year, including Health, Education, Law and Order, Governance, and Public Service Restructure, aimed at fostering a capable and vibrant workforce to efficiently deliver services across the province.
Governor Yoto also highlighted the effective budget and financial management enabled by the adoption of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) last year, which has led to more than K100 million being rolled over into this year’s budget.
The strategic allocation and management of this budget signal a new chapter in Western Province’s path towards economic resilience and prosperity, supported by both the provincial and national governments.
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