Governor urges council to look after vehicles

MOROBE Governor Ginson Saonu has urged all members of the provincial executive council (PEC) to look after their provincial vehicles.
Saonu made the call after the Morobe government presented its 21 PEC members with 24 new vehicles from Ela Motors Ltd worth over K5 million to help them carry out their duties in their respective local level governments (LLGs) and wards.
The package, according to the provincial government, was part of their entitlements which included an unconditional allowance – K50,000; vehicle (transport) allowance – K118,800; and, administration grants of K75,000 bringing the total to K243,800 allowed for each PEC member, including the Lae mayor to purchase a vehicle.
The total cost of the vehicles was K5,119,800.
In total, the vehicles included 23 Toyota landCruisers, three double cabs and two utes.
The provincial government also included a 30-seater bus for its Tutumang staff, LandCruiser for its clerk and another 10-seater for the St John ambulance service.
Saonu, who is also the chairman of the PEC, told the members that as public office holders, they had a responsibility to serve the people’s interest.
He said the vehicles would carry the respective LLG and ward names that it would serve and it was incumbent on those in charge of them to use them appropriately.
He said if any of the vehicles were damaged or misused, it would be a bad reflection on the provincial government and its public servants.
Saonu encouraged his PEC members serve the people in their wards and districts with professionalism and commitment and to set a good example for them.