Western Province, home to Papua New Guinea’s largest mine, celebrated a significant milestone with the official launch of its Provincial Integrated Development Plan (2023-2027) and Four District Development Plans (2023-2027) at Daru Oval.
The launch event held on January 17 drew over 1,000 people, including key stakeholders, development partners, and representatives of civil society. It was both a unified celebration and an opportunity to reflect on how the plans will address challenges and improve the province.
Prominent figures in attendance included Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Solan Mirisim; The Governor for Western Province, Hon. Taboi Awi Yoto; Minister for Mining Hon. Wake Goi; Minister for Defense Dr Billy Joseph; Minister for Livestock Hon. Sekie Agisa;
Australian high Commissioner to PNG His Excellency Mr John Feakes; Chief Justice Sir Gibuna Gibbs Salika; PNG Sustainable Development Program Management Peter Graham; Managing Director Ok Tedi Mine Limited Mr Kedi Ilimbit; department secretaries, other development partners, and local MPs.
Traditional dancers from North Fly, Middle Fly, South Fly, and Delta Fly districts added cultural significance by presenting the plans to their district MPs.
Acting Prime Minister Mirisim and Governor Yoto launched the Provincial Integrated Plan jointly. The latter, in his keynote address, described the plans as a roadmap for advancing critical areas such as health, education, agribusiness, infrastructure, and law and justice.
“Your attendance today demonstrates a commitment to delivering on the Strategic Priority Areas and Deliberate Intervention Projects outlined in these plans,” said Governor Yoto.
He highlighted achievements during his tenure since 2017, including the “New Way Forward Plan” (2018-2022), which delivered significant outcomes in partnership with Ok Tedi Mining Limited, the Ok Tedi Development Foundation, and the PNG Sustainable Development Program.
Building on this progress, the 3rd Development Forum, held in November 2023 under the theme “Reviewing and Charting our Development Pathway,” provided the foundation for the new five-year plan.
Five Strategic Priorities (2023-2027):
The province’s development plan focuses on:
- Health: Expanding infrastructure and improving maternal and public health.
- Education: Enhancing facilities and promoting adult education, particularly for women.
- Agriculture: Boosting production through Nucleus Estates and smallholder support.
- Infrastructure: Improving connectivity across the province.
- Law and Justice: Strengthening community safety and legal systems.
Governor Yoto acknowledged key accomplishments, such as establishing the Provincial Health Authority, completing a Nursing School in Balimo, and delivering vital projects despite logistical challenges. But he noted persistent issues, including socio-economic disparities and the province's remote geography.
“These plans provide a clear roadmap to address our challenges and ensure sustainable development,” he said.
Development partners, including OTML and other stakeholders, reaffirmed their support.
Acting Prime Minister Mirisim, as Minister for Works and Highways, urged stakeholders to align efforts with the plan's strategies.
“With the help of the National Government and our partners, Western Province must see tangible improvements in the lives of its people,” said Hon. Mirisim.
The Acting Prime Minister officially received the Five-Year Development Plan on behalf of the Marape-Rosso Government and committed to ensuring its execution.
Governor Yoto concluded with a call for unity and dedication, stating, “Our people’s tomorrow is significantly shaped by our actions today.
