Focus on local economy

 By ZACHERY PER

BUSINESSES in Chimbu will benefit from a provincial executive council policy to promote the local economy.  

Provincial administrator Joe Kunda said the policy required businesses, government agencies and education institutions to procure goods and services supplied by businesses in the province.

“The policy will protect and promote local business and industry interests,” he said.

“All money given to institutions, government agencies, including the districts and local level governments, should be spent within Chimbu province.”

He said any businesses or government agencies refusing to comply with this would be penalised in some way.

“We want to encourage businesses to grow and increase their volume and capacity to meet the requirements of the institutions and government agencies,” he said.

Kunda warned business houses not to take advantage of this by providing sub-standard services.

“It’s all about time we build our local economy and be competitive with other provinces,” he said.

“In the event that businesses cannot supply particular items or provide any particular services, there will be exemptions. 

“But a screening process will ensure it does not happen again,” Kunda said.

Meanwhile, Kunda reminded public servants that 2014 would be a year of performance and those who cannot perform will be shown the door.

“Those public servants who cannot perform will be removed. I do not want to see our top ranking by the National Fiscal Commission drop this year,” Kunda said.

“Getting good rating for three consecutive years does not mean that all rural areas are okay. 

“We will continue to build capacities for districts as per Government policies ensuring there is monitoring and control in place,” Kunda said.