Esa’ala working to have two more LLGs: Steven

By SAMUEL BARIASI
ESA’ALA, in Milne Bay is working towards having two more local level governments (LLGs) in the district apart from the three it has, local MP and Deputy Prime Minister Davis Steven says.
Steven told The National that a submission was before the National Executive Council (NEC) and he was hopeful it would be approved by next week.
“We want to create a new Esa’ala (because) it has been the cry of our people for a very long time,” he said.
He said one proposed LLG would be at Normanby Island to have north and south Normanby.
“The other one would be at Fergusson Island that will cover the areas facing towards the Trobriand Islands.”
Steven said the move to have two more LLGs was based on the law.
“The law provides for LLGs to be created on the basis of population and service delivery centres.”
Steven said upon receiving NEC’s approval, LLGs in Esa’ala would have to approve the creation of new wards and LLGs.
“It then goes to the provincial executive council and assembly and then the administrator recommends to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Governments for a submission.”
Meanwhile, Steven said the district would use the Covid-19 and district funds to create employment and income-earning opportunities for youths and other citizens.
“We have a database of all our youths at the moment so we want to make this opportunity available for all youths to participate in Covid-19 awareness programme and looking after our seas to protect our district in terms of surveillance.”