The East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG) has now officially established the ENB Provincial Project Implementation Management Unit (ENBP-PIMU). The decision to set up the PIMU was one of three decisions that was endorsed during a recent provincial assembly sitting that was held last month (April) in Kokopo city. The ENBP-PIMU will serve as the Implementing Agent for the ENBPG and the provincial administration with its official office located within the Division of Infrastructure Development. PIMU will be responsible for designing new roads, bridges, wharves, and institutional houses, as well as scoping works for civil and building projects. The unit will as well manage and supervise civil and building projects from the initial stages to completion. Former Chairman of Human Resources Management in the ENB Provincial Assembly, Mr. Robert Mati, while reading the submission, stated that the Gazelle Restoration Authority (GRA) was previously the implementing agent of the ENBPG. Mr. Mati explained that the Act establishing the GRA has now become obsolete, as the Authority has completed its mandate of restoring basic government services and infrastructure within the Gazelle Peninsula. “In 2010, the ENBPG decided to retain GRA as its implementing agent, and between 2010 and 2021, GRA implemented over K41 million worth of projects.” He further noted that since 2021, there has been minimal implementation of major projects in the province, highlighting the need to establish a unit specifically tasked with the design, scoping, implementation, and supervision of government projects. In 2024, the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) agreed and endorsed the Special Projects Authority (SPA) as the implementing agent. However, that decision has now been revoked as it conflicts with the District Development Authority (DDA) Act. Mr. Mati emphasized that the purpose of the PIMU is strictly to implement projects, while decisions and procurement responsibilities will remain with the respective DDAs and the provincial government headquarters, adhering to standard administrative and legislative requirements. According to the submission, the unit will be staffed by five personnel: a project manager, two contract officers (civil and building), and two administration officers. The unit will be fully funded by the ENBPG through its internal revenue, with an annual allocation of K500, 000 to cover the wages of the five PIMU officers. In addition, project supervision and management across the province will be carried out by the PIMU in collaboration with officers from the Division of Infrastructure Development and the respective districts. Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Member for Pomio district, Elias Kapavore, commended the establishment of the unit stating that it will significantly uplift the standard of project implementation in the province. He remarked that while many projects are being implemented, there has been a lack of proper management and supervision. “I commend the provincial administration and the team for advancing these initiatives. This will enhance the alignment of projects so that we all achieve a common goal for our province.”