MUP partners with UNDP’s PGSD project

By Taromane Martin

Makira Ulawa Province becomes the latest province to join the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Provincial Governance and Service Delivery (PGSD) flagship project on provincial governance in Solomon Islands.

This partnership is part of the UNDP’s Pacific Multi-Country Office which focuses on promoting inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance systems for sub-national service delivery.

Speaking to SIBC news, Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Hon. Stanley Siapu said his PACRA government signed a Letter of Agreement with UNDP Country Project Manager Mozammel Haque on Thursday May 15th, 2025, at the Provincial Capital, Kirakira.

Through this support two identified schools in Makira Ulawa Province will see crucial infrastructures in both schools improved.

“By June or July 10th, it is expected that 80 percent of that funding will have been utilized for the construction of the project.

“So, by July 10th we should be providing the reports on the projects because that is one of the main requirements.

“I’m confident in my officers through the office of the PS and our technical officers to be able to complete the task within the required time,”Premier Siapu said.

UNDP Country Project Manager Mozammel Haque on the other hand said this is more than just infrastructure because it’s about supporting provincial governments to lead and deliver on their people’s needs.

“By working with all nine provinces, we are promoting equity, decentralization, and stronger service delivery across the country,” Mr Haque said.

Last Thursday’s signing meanwhile marks the first time that Makira Ulawa Province joins the initiative, thanks to the European Union’s strategic decision to expand support to all nine provinces of Solomon Islands to improve service delivery at provincial level.

While the PGSD support has already benefited six provinces in 2024 —Central, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Temotu, and Western— this is the first time Makira Ulawa Province is included, alongside RenBel and Malaita, following the EU’s decision to ensure all nine provinces are part of a nationwide effort to strengthen service delivery and local governance.

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