Western province $1.4m payout pending advise from Finance

The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening has made clarification on the 1.4 million dollars allegedly denied to the Western Provincial government through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund commonly known as PCDF. The Western Provincial Government recently raised the concern on the $1.4 million denied to the provincial government. Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale also raised his concerns saying it is tragic that service delivery and developments in provinces are likely to be affected because the Government prioritised the Pacific Games more than the people. “How irresponsible can the Government be,” Wale said. But Permanent Secretary, Mr. Stanley Pirione said Western province is not the only province yet to receive the outstanding funds. He said currently they are awaiting advise from the Finance Ministry, who will then further advise Central Bank before payments are made to eligible provinces. Pirione said Western Province is only one of the other provinces, yet to receive their money from PCDF. PCDF consolidates funds support towards implementation of the Provincial Governments Strengthening Programme. PCDF is administered through performance based grants. Provincial governments are expected to properly acquit all funds received from the Provincial government and must have up-to-date payments for their staff’s Pay as You Earn (PAYE) and pension benefits through the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund.