Khay: Lae needs city commission

 LAE mayor James Khay says the city is the business hub of the country but its infrastructures are crumbling because of negligence.

Khay suggested that a commission was needed to function under its own legislation to generate enough revenue to fix the problem.

The idea has been opposed by the provincial executive council and Governor Kelly Naru who do not want a commission in Lae styled along the National Capital District Commission in Port Moresby.

In a meeting last Saturday, Naru said: “The last thing we want to see is our rural people suffering because the revenue from the GST will remain in the city (if the commission exists) and not go to the people who needed it most.”

Khay said despite generating more revenue for the province, Lae was only given 25% from the provincial coffers.

“Lae is a metropolitan city. It is recognised as the second city in PNG and its industrial hub,” he said.

“We have the international community and people from all over the country residing here.”

Khay invited all the MPs in the province to discuss the matter as it is crucial and overdue.