WHPG passes K113.9 million budget for 2026

The Western Highlands Provincial Government [WHPG] has passed its 2026 budget, focusing on taking development and services to rural communities in the province.

The 2026 provincial budget, named “Going Rural,” outlines key development projects and priority programs identified for funding this year.

Governor Wai Rapa says most of the projects funded in 2026 are ongoing programs first introduced in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budgets, with a few new initiatives added to support and complement existing developments.

Governor Rapa also said the Provincial government has maintained its focus on major priority areas, including education infrastructure, TVET programs, tertiary student school fee subsidies, SME support, road transport infrastructure, sports development, PMV subsidies, rural electrification, coffee rehabilitation, and the establishment of village court centres.

This is the fourth provincial budget under the Rapa-Mai Government since taking office in 2022, reflecting a continued commitment to long-term development planning.

The 2026 “Going Rural” budget places strong emphasis on road infrastructure, SME growth, technical training through TVET, rural electrification, education, and support for tertiary students.

The PEC Chairman elaborated that these sectors remain critical to improving livelihoods and drive economic growth in the rural areas of Western Highlands.

The total projected budget for 2026 for Western Highlands stands K113.9 million.

Western Highlands is also reported to be the last province to pass its 2026 budget and is expected to present it to the National Treasury next week.