‘Districts spending more money on administration’

By HELEN TARAWA
Districts throughout the country are spending more money on administration than on any other sector, acting secretary for Department of Implementation and Rural Development Aihi Vaki says.
Reports show that funding allocated under the District Services Improvement Programme (DSIP) were being used mainly to cover the cost of administration, which was a concern, Vaki said.
“We’d like to see the DSIP monies making an impact across the country and we are quite concerned about administration consuming much of the funding of all districts,” he said.
“Administration has consumed much of the funding of all districts across the country.
“The graph of administration has shot beyond other sectors, so we are quite concerned.
“It’s about time we slowed down in administration and focused on essential sectors that can change the lives of people in the rural areas.
“I want to drive the message across to our leaders and I hope they understand me.
“I know they have their District Development Authorities and you have your plans to implement but make sure they are all in line with the service delivery framework with the National Planning Act.”
Vaki received the acquittals for Talasea district, in West New Britain, yesterday from Talasea MP Francis Maneke, who said good governance was his priority.
“We must be able to put forward and present transparently what is happening in the district. That’s the key to any development that’s going to happen in any district in this country,” he said.
“Regardless of how it is managed and implemented we must be in compliant to what’s required of this nation. I’m privileged today because of the compliance that is required by this office.”