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30.11.2024

Source: Post Courier November 29th 2024

The 2024 National Budget Lockup today allocated a significant K960 million to the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP), marking a substantial increase in funding for district development.

This allocation will provide K10 million to each of 96 districts in the country.

National Planning and Monitoring Secretary, Mr. Koney Samuel, highlighted that the government is committed to further expanding district development funds with the addition six new districts will be coming up.

The Provincial Services Improvement Program has allocated K220 million, ensuring that each province receives K10 million.

Additional Funding for Provincial and District Development:

  • Special Support Grants (SSGs): K38.1 million
  • District Support Grants (DSGs): K59.0 million
  • Provincial Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs): K301.5 million
  • Kina-for-Kina Delivery Modality: K1.100 million for Provincial Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and District Infrastructure Development Program (DIDP)

Addressing Challenges in Provincial and District Development, Secretary Samuel acknowledged several key challenges hindering effective provincial and district development:

  • Lack of accountability and reporting
  • Absence of standardized measures to assess development impact
  • Ineffective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems
  • Inefficient coordination of resources between provincial and district administrations
  • Misalignment with national development strategies and plans

Some of the Strategic Approach to Enhance Economic Performance in this sector will be timely development and implementation of provincial and district development plans and strict adherence to government financial management regulations and procedures.

Mr Samuel also emphasized the fostering strong coordination between provincial and district administration.

By implementing these strategies, the government aims to improve the effectiveness and impact of development initiatives, ultimately enhancing the lives of Papua New Guineans across the country.