Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Soroi Marepo Eoe, CMG, MP, has commended most provincial governments for adhering to reporting requirements and submitting their 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Reports (APPR) to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA).

Under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG), all provincial governments, excluding the National Capital District (NCD) and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) are required to submit their APPRs for the preceding year by June 30.

Minister Eoe explained that each year, the National Government allocates funding to provincial governments to support service delivery across six Minimum Priority Areas (MPAs) including:

1. Governance,

2. Education,

3. Health,

4. Works and Transport,

5. Law and Justice, and

6. Primary Production

He stressed that compliance reporting on the MPAs strengthens, accountability and builds trust between provincial governments and the people.

“This enhances relationships and instils confidence in service delivery.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Philip Leo, confirmed that seventeen provinces have submitted their reports, with only Central, Western and Morobe provinces yet to submit.

“Once these remaining reports are received, the Minister will table the consolidated outcomes in Parliament next year,” Secretary Leo stated.

On 27 May 2025, Minister Eoe presented the Annual Provincial Performance Reports for the years 2018–2022 in Parliament.

This was the third presentation of its kind since the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments was enacted in 1995.

“Over the past decade (2014-2023), only ten provinces have consistently submitted their APPRs.”

“In the last five years, only seven provinces met the June 30 deadline, while thirteen submitted late or failed to submit altogether.”

Moreover, Minister Eoe also clarified the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling which invalidated Sections 51-53 of the OLPLLG relating to the withdrawal of powers, functions and finances.

“The ruling does not prevent the government from holding individual leaders and bureaucrats accountable following investigations.”

“The National Government maintains the authority to conduct audits on provincial governments, district development authorities, and local level governments.”