Western Highlands Provincial (WHP) Administrator Joseph Mangbil urged for S114 and S119 reports to be presented together to the national government, emphasising their importance for accountability in service delivery tracking at the sub-national level.
Speaking during the official presentation of 2024 S119 Report for WHP to the Department of Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) last Friday, Mr Mangbil stressed that these reports are critical tools that allow the national government to monitor how vital services are delivered to citizens on the ground.
“I call on other provinces to submit both S114 and S119 reports, and I urge DPLGA officials to physically verify projects and programs that have been implemented in provinces as part of monitoring and compliance,” he stated.
DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo said the call by Western Provincial Administrator for S114, S113 and S119 reports to be submitted together is reiterating what other provincial administrators have called for since he became the secretary of the department.
Secretary Leo also commended the level of coordination, collaboration and partnership amongst the leaders and all service delivery players operating in the province, to achieve much development for Western Highlands Province, particularly, for Mt Hagen, as the regional city of the Highlands Region.
Mr Mangbil described the S119 Report as not just a legal obligation but as a “narrative of resilience, roadmap of progress and a declaration of enduring intent” under the leadership of the WHP Governor Wai Rapa.
Progress Highlights from Western Highlands Province
Infrastructure Development:
- 49 strategic road links and 42 structural bridges have been maintained, ensuring access across districts and key service centres;
- The Baiyer–Madang Highway, launched in Q2 of 2024, is positioning WHP as a regional trade corridor, cutting travel time by 43% and enabling broader market integration;
- Partnership with Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL) has subsidized transportation for over 8,700 farmers, improving their access to urban market places;
Education:
- Support extended to 4,617 teachers across 612 government and faith-based institutions, delivering education to over 101,800 students;
- Prioritised TVET expansion and inclusive education programs targeting youth aged 25–35;
- Through its flagship Tertiary Fee Assistance Program, WHP allocated K10 million towards school fees for 1,067 students in 46 institutions nationwide;
- Teacher Incentive Scheme offers rural educators transport, housing, and professional upskilling support.
Health Services:
- Achieved 100% retention of frontline staff across Community Health Posts (CHPs) and district health centres;
- 34 aid posts remain non-operational, mainly due to water shortages and deteriorated maternal health facilities;
- Partnered with Mt Hagen DDA to procure additional ambulances;
- Trained 138 Village Health Volunteers to enhance community-based health services.
Law and Justice:
- Maintained 79 active village courts with a 73% case resolution rate through regular mediation and arbitration.
-The Provincial Land Disputes Committee is actively addressing land-related grievances, fostering peace and preventing clan conflicts.
-Established a Family and Gender-Based Violence Response Taskforce to coordinate support with police units.
-Procured 25 new police vehicles through partnership with Mt Hagen DDA.
-Introduced a Vehicle Oversight Policy, mandating GPS tracking, strict deployment logs, and a zero-tolerance stance on misuse.
Administrative Oversight and Reforms
Mr Mangbil also revealed that earlier this year, as directed by Governor Wai Rapa, his office launched an investigation into alleged unethical recruitment practices within the education sector.
“Internal audits are underway, supported by a
joint Provincial-National Oversight Committee, to ensure merit-based employment, zero nepotism, and compliance with Public Service Commission protocols,” he confirmed.
Mangbil’s call for compliance with reporting obligations and emphasis on accountability is seen as a model for other provincial administrations striving to improve governance, service delivery and public confidence.
Meanwhile, the Mt. Hagen City Authority has also presented their City Authority Reports for 2024.
The report was presented by Chief Executive Officer Leo Noki in the presence of the Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs Philip Leo, senior officials from WHP and DPLGA.