By JAMES KILA
THE National Government has been called on to increase its budgetary allocation to local level governments (LLGs) in the country to K1 million.
Ori Bao, Henganofi LLG president in Eastern Highlands made the call last Thursday during the presentation of two new vehicles to assist the work of councillors in the district and the welcoming of a new Henganofi council manager.
Mr Bao said LLG councillors are the front-line representatives of the Government and often feel the brunt of complaints and grievances by people in the community.
“Councillors live, sleep and wake up with the little people in the villages,” he said.
Mr Bao said the allocation to LLGs through the village services grant was insufficient, although councillors play a major role in mobilising support from people to allow for vital Government services to flow to the district.
He said during his term in office, Henganofi council was allocated K81,000 in 2006 with the same appropriation the following year.
Mr Bao added that for a long time councillors in Henganofi did not have vehicle to move around to carry out their duties.
He said the new Toyota Hilux would be used by the new acting council manager president to carry out administration work of the council in Henganofi, while the truck would be used to assist in carrying out council work in the district.
Mr Bao added that the dump truck would help in providing services to schools and health centres in Henganofi district.
EH deputy provincial administrator John Gimisive challenged LLGs in EHP to create income earning opportunities for themselves such as that of Wamp Nga, in Western Highlands.
Mr Gimisive told Henganofi councillors to be creative and follow the example of Wamp Nga Group of Companies creating a business arm which could help in generating income for them.