Communities across the Highlands region are expected to see closer monitoring of government spending and service delivery following the successful deployment of Senior Performance Monitoring Officers (SPMOs) in all seven Highlands provinces.

The milestone was completed with the appointment of Tony Kapili to Jiwaka Province, marking the full establishment of the Department of Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs' (DPLGA) new monitoring network across the Highlands.

The move is part of a wider governance reform that aims to ensure public funds are properly used and that government projects deliver real benefits to ordinary Papua New Guineans.

For many rural communities that have long complained about abandoned projects, poor services and lack of accountability, the presence of dedicated performance officers is intended to provide stronger oversight and greater transparency at the provincial level.

Following a departmental restructure, DPLGA has now deployed 20 SPMOs across 20 provinces, excluding the National Capital District and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo said the officers will play a critical role in improving governance standards and monitoring the performance of government institutions.

"Our SPMOs will be working closely with all of you, and I urge you to provide them with the necessary support to ensure their roles and functions are effectively carried out," Mr. Leo said.

The officers will monitor compliance with national laws and policies, track statutory reporting requirements, oversee the use of public funds and assess whether government-funded programs are delivering measurable results.

A key focus will be identifying gaps between approved budgets, expenditure and actual services reaching communities, particularly in remote and rural areas where residents often face challenges accessing essential services.

The officers will also help detect incomplete projects, monitor government assets purchased with public funds and report persistent governance failures through the appropriate administrative and legal processes.

DPLGA says the initiative reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring taxpayer-funded projects are managed transparently and that public resources translate into tangible development outcomes.

With all Highlands provinces now covered, the department believes the strengthened monitoring presence will help improve accountability, support better decision-making and ultimately deliver more effective services to citizens.