Government abolishes failed border authority

THE Border Development Authority has not served its purpose and has been abolished by the National Executive Council (NEC), Parliament was told yesterday.
This means that any businesses activity conducted in the name of the authority is improper and illegal.
Inter-Government Relations and Border Development Minister Kevin Isifu said NEC was in the process of repealing the Act that governed the operation and creation of the authority.
Deputy Opposition leader Timothy Maisu said the authority was established by an Act of Parliament with functions to focus on and establish infrastructure developments along border provinces.
He said it also operated a shipping service called the PNG Maritime Transport Services Ltd, which was defunct, with employees still holding onto positions and being paid.
Masiu said the authority had failed and mismanaged a lot of funds.
He wanted to know why the acting chief executive was hiring vehicles for his use when he was allocated a 24-hour vehicle and vehicle allowance.
Masiu also wanted to know why the CEO’s relatives were allowed to use the official vehicle.
Isifu agreed that the authority had failed to serve its purpose of establishing infrastructure along the border provinces of West Sepik, Western, Manus, Milne Bay and Bougainville.
He said as a result, the Government had abolished the authority and was repealing the Act to completely abolish it.
Meanwhile, Isifu said the National Boundaries Commission was responsible for creating new districts and local level governments.
Isufu was responding to Middle Ramu MP Johnny Alonk on the boundaries of each district and LLG.
“There is a process of the work of boundaries for LLGs and electorates,” Isifu said.
“There are similar processes for creating additional wards.
“The population is increasing and the wards are expanding and it is the responsibility of ward members to ensure that services reach the people.”