Makira Ulawa Leaders Unite for Accountability and Governance as Intensive Two-Week Provincial Assembly Induction Concludes

KIRAKIRA, MAKIRA ULAWA PROVINCE, October 30, 2026 – The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), in partnership with the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG), has successfully concluded an intensive ten-day Provincial Assembly Induction Workshop aimed at strengthening institutional governance, enhancing financial discipline, and fostering a collaborative culture of responsible leadership across the province.

Speaking at the official closing ceremony, MPGIS Deputy Secretary (Special Duties) Mr. Robert Kaua reminded the elected leaders that public office is a position of sacred trust, emphasizing that the true value of the training is measured around its practical implementation.

“The real value of this induction will not be measured by what has been discussed in this room. It will be measured by how you apply what you have learned when you return to your respective responsibilities,” Mr. Kaua stated. “Accountability should never be regarded as an obstacle to development. Accountability is what gives development credibility. It protects public resources, strengthens institutions and builds the confidence of our people in government.”

Reflecting on the intensive training, the Supervising Premier of Makira Ulawa Province (Deputy Premier, MPA for Ward 1-North Ulawa) commended the collaborative spirit forged during the sessions, highlighting how the Assembly moved immediately from theory to legal practice during the event.

Figure 2: Supervising Premier, Deputy Premier for Makira Province, Hon. Stephen Ngara, MPA Ward 1 – North Ulawa delivering his remarks during the official closing of MUP Induction where he presented certificates to participants

“We held an Assembly meeting to appropriate the supplementary funds transferred by MPGIS for this very induction,” the Supervising Premier stated. “This was a live demonstration of the separation of powers and the strict requirements of Section 34 of the Provincial Government Act 1997 (PGA 1997) – reminding us that not a single dollar can be spent without the lawful authorization of this Chamber. Today, as we conclude this comprehensive Induction Programme, we do not close as strangers to the rules of governance, but as a team that is better informed, legally equipped, and fully prepared to serve the people of Makira Ulawa Province.”

Representing the non-executive members, Hon. Julian Maka’a (MPA for Ward 10 – Central Bauro) offered a candid assessment of the province’s historical administrative challenges, metaphorically comparing the provincial governance structure to a ship, “MV Makira Ulawa” in urgent need of repair.

Figure 3: Representing the Non-executive Members, Hon. Julian Maka’a, MPA Ward 10 – Central Bauro delivering his remarks during the closing ceremony

“When we came on board in this ship, MV Makira Ulawa, we were told the boat was delivering cargo for the people. But for the last ten years, we found out that it was all faulty. We are close to a catastrophic situation,” Hon. Maka’a expressed. “So, in these 10 days of training, we have got new tools: grease, nuts and bolts, and spanners and screwdrivers, so that we can tighten the loose joints that are posing a risk to the MV Makira Ulawa. The serious genuine call for us now is to work together for the betterment of our people of Makira Ulawa.”

From the administrative perspective, the training targeted deep-rooted systemic oversights to transition the province away from historically poor governance outcomes.

Representing the provincial staff, the Provincial Capacity Development Advisor (PCDA) for Makira Ulawa, Mr. Commins Ikioa, highlighted the strategic skills gained in the training to secure future funding opportunities like the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF).

Figure 4: Provincial Capacity Development Advisor (PCDA) for Makira Ulawa Province, Mr. Commins Ikioa making remarks on behalf of the administrative staff of the province

“The knowledge shared over these two weeks has no doubt equipped us with the strategic skills required to drive Makira Ulawa Provincial Government away from the setbacks of Disclaimer Audit Reports,” Mr. Ikioa said. “We now have a clear, compliant path toward achieving a Clean Audit Report. Moving forward, the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government can now reaffirm its commitment to continuing a close, institutional partnership with the MPGIS… to drive ongoing system audits, build public administrative capacity, and enforce strict compliance rules.”

The two-week capacity-building programme brought together executive members, non-executive Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), and senior administrative staff to realign provincial operations with statutory frameworks, including the Provincial Government Act 1997 and strict financial regulations.

The induction closed with a formal presentation of certificates to all participants. Members of the Provincial Assembly were also issued an officially validated booklet outlining the functional roles and responsibilities of Ministers in the executive. The event concluded with a collective pledge from both political and administrative divisions to uphold integrity, adhere strictly to the rule of law, and prioritize human-centered service delivery to ensure that provincial resources directly benefit local communities across Makira Ulawa.

ENDS///

Figure 5: Personal Officer, Cynthia Tohe, receiving her certificate from Chief Technical Advisor of PGSP, and Project Manager for IEDCR Project, Mr. Momodou Lamin Sawaneh

Figure 6: MUP Planning Specialist, Elizabeth Pepena receiving her certificate from Chief Technical Advisor of PGSP, and Project Manager for IEDCR Project, Mr. Momodou Lamin Sawaneh

Figure 7: Hon. Jimmy Hanson Riunga, MPA for Ward -19 – West Rawo shaking hand with Chief Technical Advisor of PGSP, and Project Manager for IEDCR Project, Mr. Momodou Lamin Sawaneh as proceeds to receive his certificate from the Supervising Premier, Hon. Stephen Ngara, MPA for Ward 1 – b North Ulawa

Figure 8: MPGIS Officers receiving Makira Ulawa Baskets as token gifts for the two-week long Induction training in Kira Kira

Figure 9: Makira Ulawa Provincial Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Donald Tahani, MPA for Ward 6- West Arosi making a presentation during one of the group presentations sessions

Figure 10:Premier for Makira Ulawa (left), Hon. Stanley Siapu, MPA for Ward-15-Santa Ana and his group discussing a case study on the Financial Management Ordinance and Financial Instruction (FMO & FI) during one of the group discussion sessions

Figure 11: The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Joseph Haruharu, MPA for Ward 9-West Bauro, making a presentation on one of the case studies sessions

Figure 12: (R) Hon. John Sautehi, MPA for Ward 2-South Ulawa and Hon. Douglas Henry Kuper, MPA for Ward 8-East Arosi during one of the case studies sessions

Figure 13: One of the groups working outside the Women Resources Centre compound