Councillor welcomes plan to review local, provincial govts

National, Normal
Source:

Then National, Wednesday 12th September, 2012

THE government’s intention to review the Organic Law on provincial and local level governments to improve government service delivery has been welcomed by a ward councillor in Tewai-Siassi, Morobe province.
Ward 3 councillor  Teddy Moses said such a review, recently announced by Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion, would contribute to councillors nationwide getting more recognition, power and respect.
“At present, the mandated leaders of the third tier of government are seen as ordinary citizens,” he said.
Moses called on Dion to ensure the review to strengthen service delivery in provinces, self-reliance and financial independence was implemented.
“The review should especially address direct funding to ward councils as well as their wages and other conditions,” he said.
He described councillors as powerless leaders and their monthly allowances ranging from K50 to K200 as “lousy”.
Three other councilors in Lae and Salamaua LLG, who did not want to be named, also supported the views of Moses.
They said it would be exciting if this national government can address the plight of ward councillors.