We are a unit embedded in the Division of Local Government Advisory Services within the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA).

On 18th October 2007, a Financing Agreement was signed by the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and The European Commission. This formalised a commitment of EUR 15 million (approximately Kina 54 million) by the European Commission and EUR 1.3 million (approximately Kina 4.7 million) by the Government of PNG for the Strengthening of Districts and Local-level Governments in PNG Project.

The project activities will be ongoing until December 2012 and whilst we are based in Port Moresby, the bulk of our activities will be involving Districts and Local-level Governments.

The overall objective of the Project is to support the delivery of essential services to the population of PNG and to support the foundation for broad-based socio-economic growth.

The purposes are:

• To assist DPLGA to strengthen the functioning of lower levels of government in PNG with a focus on district administrations and Local Level Governments and thus lay a good foundation for the implementation of the focal sector programmes of the 10th European Development Fund; and
• To strengthen the capacity of DPLGA – in synergy with the actions carried out at provincial level – in engaging with and supporting Districts and Local Governments.

There are four Project Components:

• Component 1 – Grants to Strengthen Capacity and Development Initiatives at District and LLG Level
• Component 2 – Support to Training and Capacity Building
• Component 3 – Management Support to the DPLGA; and
• Component 4 – Support to Governance Initiatives

The expected results are:

• Result 1: Strengthened capacity of lower levels of government, in particular the district level and LLG, for services delivered and development initiatives strengthened;
• Result 2: Increased accountability of local level government;
• Result 3: Improved overall framework for the functioning of the lower level government; and
• Result 4: Efficient and effective management of the project and grant facilities