The Central Provincial Government has presented its 2026 Budget totaling K345 million to Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, outlining an ambitious plan aimed at strengthening governance, expanding development in rural communities and improving financial independence for the province.
Presenting the budget was the Governor Rufina Peter, who was joined by Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa, Advisor for Finance and Administration Tony Gamata, and Provincial Finance Manager Walis Imbal.
The delegation highlighted key priorities within the spending plan, stressing that the province intends to improve service delivery while also reducing its reliance on national government grants.
Governor Peter said the 2026 Budget theme, “Going Rural Remote for Security and Growth,” reflects the province’s determination to take development beyond urban centres and into the rural and most remote
communities.
“This budget underscores our priority to connect remote communities, create sustainable jobs and build financial resilience for our people,” the Governor said.
She said under the budget framework, K21.5 million has been allocated for education, skills development, and vocational training programs across the province, including the Rigo District and surrounding areas.
Governor Peter said, another K20.4 million will support infrastructure for growth centres in Koiari LLG, Rigo North LLG, Kuni LLG and the Amazon Bay LLG and the three LLGs of the least developed Goilala District, namely Woitape, Guari and Tapini.
She said the province has also set aside K12 million for other economic initiatives such as the strategic markets and church-related infrastructure and initiatives, while K24 million has been allocated to strengthen security, policing and community safety.
Governor Peter, also thanked the Government for the K25 million PIP funding for Central Provincial Hospital and requested for the funds be released in full as Provincial Executive Council (PEC) will provide oversight on the use of the funds.
The other major projects highlighted were the Central Province Police HQ and Barracks to be established at Bautama for which PEC has allocated eight hectares of land from the CPG land at Bautama and finally, the Seat of Government at Sabusa.
Treasurer Ling-Stuckey commended the Governor and her administration for working collectively to produce the budget and for outlining a development agenda focused on both governance and service delivery.
Governor Peter also raised concerns about outstanding commitments from the national government, particularly funding promised for the Edevu Road project by Prime Minister James Marape.
She noted that while K5 million of the K10 million commitment was delivered in 2025, the remaining K5 million is still outstanding despite the project being factored into provincial planning for this year.
Treasurer Ling-Stuckey acknowledged the concern and assured the Governor that the matter would be addressed by his office.
“This concern is noted and I have asked my office to take note of your concern and to commit to the outstanding,”he said.
Other outstanding commitments like the K27 million for the thirty-six (36) kilometer Rigo ring road was also raised by Governor Peter, the Treasurer in his response highlighted that Central Province Government can do a formal letter and send to his office.
The 2026 budget presentation signals Central Province’s intention to push development deeper into rural areas while strengthening governance and economic capacity. Provincial leaders say the financial plan is designed not only to deliver services today but also to lay a stronger foundation for long-term growth, stability and opportunity for communities across the province.
