By PILA WASU
ALL project proposals and other written submissions from community-based groups and individuals must follow procedures to qualify for the project funding under the district development component.
Acting Speaker and Member for Talasea Francis Marus said this during his visit to the electorate last weekend.
Mr Marus said individuals and community groups, who wished to bid for projects in the Talasea electorate must go through their individual ward members and to the local level government (LLG) presidents for endorsement before it is recommended to the Joint District Priority and Budget Planning Committee for approval.
He said many people do not understand the important role the LLG played and at times people direct ed their queries straight to the MPs leaving the LLG with no responsibilities.
Mr Marus said LLG presidents and their ward members were another arm of the government and they must be utilised as they were paid by the Government.
He said there was an increase in the budget allocation to all districts this year and people in the electorate were coming straight to his office with letters and proposals to bid for projects.