Tuesday 20 February 2024
Prime Minister James Marape accepting Milne Bay’s Provincial Budget from its Provincial Member, Hon. Gordon Wesley, on Monday 19 February 2024.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape praised the exceptional leadership of Milne Bay’s Provincial Member, Hon. Gordon Wesley, when accepting the K255 million 2024 Milne Bay Provincial Budget on Monday 19 February 2024.
The budget underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development within the Milne Bay Province, aiming to secure a prosperous future for its residents.
Accompanying Mr Wesley at the ceremony, were Samarai-Murua MP and Tourism Arts and Culture, Minister Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, Esa’ala MP and Petroleum Minister Hon. Jimmy Maladina, along with Provincial Administrator Igo Gari, showcasing a united front in support of the province’s development goals.
The budget, totaling K254, 748, 400, was passed by the Milne Bay Provincial Assembly on February 9, 2024.
It is structured around a theme of “Securing the Future Through Sustainable Infrastructure Development for Milne Bay Province,” and is supported by a combination of National Government Grants (K184, 049, 700), Internal Revenue (K34, 907,000), and 2023 Rollover Grants (K35, 791,700). development and prosperity.
Prime Minister Marape, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude to Mr Wesley for his leadership, likening provincial members to “mini prime ministers” with significant autonomy, including the management of their provincial budgets.
He also acknowledged the recent appointment of a competent provincial administrator and praised the efforts of Milne Bay ministers, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard and Hon. Jimmy Maladina, highlighting the potential for LNG exploration in Rabaraba and Esa’ala as well as the prospect of reopening the Misima and Woodlark mines.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape emphasised the government’s kina-for-kina support programme, which is in alignment with the outcomes of the Medium-Term Development Plan IV.
He encouraged Milne Bay to leverage this opportunity, especially in the development of key educational institutions like a teachers’ college, a nursing college, and a maritime college, which are essential for the province’s long-term
“The 2024 Milne Bay Provincial Budget represents a significant step forward in the sustainable development of the region, with the national government’s full support and commitment to ensuring that Milne Bay Province realises its full potential,” Prime Minister Marape said.