In a milestone move toward greater accountability and transparency, the Jiwaka Provincial Administration has submitted its first-ever Comprehensive Section 119 Reports.
This submission, made recently, fulfills a key legislative requirement under the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments.
The reports, covering the 2023 to 2024 fiscal period, were officially handed over to the Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs (DPLGA) by Jiwaka Provincial Administrator, Mr. Rick Kogen.
The reports were received on behalf of Secretary Philip Leo by Mr. James Agigo, Deputy Secretary for the Provincial and Local Level Services Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA).
In his remarks, Mr. Kogen acknowledged the collaborative efforts of technical officers from both the Jiwaka Provincial Administration and the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA), who worked diligently to compile the reports in compliance with Section 119. He emphasized that this submission represents a significant milestone for the province since its establishment in 2012.
“From 2012 to 2022, no Section 119 reports were submitted to the DPLGA or the Minister. Under the current government and administration, we have produced and submitted our first comprehensive report for the 2023 to 2024 fiscal years. This is a proud moment for Jiwaka,” Mr. Kogen said.
He affirmed the province’s commitment to strengthening governance systems and advancing infrastructure development across key sectors such as education, health, law and justice, transport, and economic development. These efforts are aligned with the 21 Strategic Areas, 12 Specific Areas, and 71 Deliberate Intervention Programs outlined in Papua New Guinea’s Medium Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) 2023–2027.
“We have made notable progress over the last two years, and I am proud to report our achievements. This report is not just a compliance measure—it is a reflection of our service delivery and commitment to the people of Jiwaka,” Mr. Kogen added.
Deputy Secretary Agigo reiterated the importance of timely submissions, emphasizing that June 30th is the annual deadline for all Provincial Governments to submit their Annual Provincial Government Performance Reports (APGPR).
“These reports must reflect performance across six key Minimum Priority Areas: Education, Health, Transport and Works, Primary Industry, Law and Justice, and Governance. They provide crucial insights into how provincial administrations are delivering essential services,” Mr. Agigo said.
He commended Jiwaka’s leadership and urged other provinces to follow its example. During the recent May Parliamentary sitting, DPLGA Minister Soroi Eoe tabled a consolidated Annual Provincial Government Performance Report (APGPR) covering the years 2018–2022, drawing attention to widespread non-compliance with Sections 114 and 119 of the Organic Law.
He stressed that these reports are not mere formalities, but vital instruments for measuring the effectiveness of government interventions, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“For far too long, many provinces have neglected this responsibility. This has contributed to the ongoing lack of vital services like health clinics, functioning schools, and safe roads in remote communities. We must do better,” said Minister Eoe.
Jiwaka’s submission sets a new benchmark for provincial accountability and underscores the vital role of reporting in promoting inclusive and sustainable development throughout Papua New Guinea.
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