Communities across Central Province are expected to benefit from improved transport and service delivery following the presentation of eight new vehicles by Central Governor Rufina Peter just recently.

Funded under the 2025 Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP), the vehicles were distributed to schools, health services, farmers and small business groups across the province’s five districts.

Recipients included Ianu High School and Amazon Bay in Abau District, Lower Sogeri SME, Owens Corner Farmers, Siraka farmers and Mekeo LLG in Kairuku District. Gaire SME received a coaster bus, while Goilala District Health Service was presented with a Land Cruiser to support health operations in remote areas. Other recipients received six-wheel Isuzu trucks to assist with transport and service delivery.

Amazon Bay President Gideon Dauge said the vehicle would ease the burden on mothers who walk long distances daily to sell produce.

“These are our mothers who have been doing this for so long, waking up early and walking for almost an hour to Magarida just to sell their produce.”

Governor Peter said the initiative was about ensuring public resources directly benefited communities and encouraged recipients to properly manage the vehicles to keep them operational for years to come.

Acting Provincial Administrator Magini Raga said the project aligns with the Central Province Integrated Development Plan 2023–2027, aimed at improving connectivity and access to services in rural communities.

Deputy Provincial Administrator Corporate Services Bala Kapa described the vehicles as an investment in people and community empowerment.

The vehicles are expected to improve access to clinics, schools and markets, particularly for isolated coastal and mountainous communities across Central Province.