Kuku Raises Concern Over Lack of Provincial Assembly Chamber in Western Province

By Alfred Pagepitu

The Member of Parliament for North New Georgia, John Dean Kuku is concerned that Western Province remains the only province without its own Provincial Assembly Chamber.

Kuku told parliament that the provincial government has been holding its formal sittings in rented private premises in Gizo and other centres for more than 20 years.

“Western Province remains the only province in Solomon Islands without its own Provincial Assembly Chamber,” Kuku said.

“For more than 20 years, the Provincial Government has conducted its formal sittings in rented private premises in Gizo and other centres. That fact alone should concern this House,” he added.

Kuku stressed that a Provincial Assembly Chamber is not a ceremonial building.

“It is a core institution of governance where provincial business is debated, budgets approved, ordinances passed, and leaders are held to account on behalf of the people,” he said.

Hon. Kuku said the financial consequences of long-term renting are equally troubling, noting that more than 20 years of rental payments represent a significant and ongoing drain on provincial funds.

“Those payments have created no public assets, no long-term value, and no savings for future administrations,” he said.

He said the continued absence of a permanent Provincial Assembly Chamber is a serious gap in governance infrastructure, adding that after 20 years of renting, the issue is no longer about resources.

“It is a question of priorities, accountability, and respect for the institution of provincial governance,” Kuku said.

The MP also questioned whether providing a Provincial Assembly Chamber would be a meaningful 50th Independence anniversary gift for the people of Western Province, urging Parliament to reflect on what lasting legacy should be delivered to the provinces.

ENDS//