Kouza steps down

 By MALUM NALU

 LAE MP Loujaya Kouza (pictured) is stepping down as chairperson of the newly-enacted Lae City Authority because of the lack of support she is getting from the Government.

“Basically I want to step down because I’ve been given the raw end of the deal since last August,” Kouza said.

“When they gave me the job, they took the position of Community Development Minister away from me.

“I’ve been out in the cold, no resources, no secretariat and no office. My staff at Community Development have not been on a salary, unpaid, helping me to do the job and research for the LCA and what it’s all about.”

She was to have made known her decision to the People’s National Congress caucus meeting in Port Moresby last night. 

“We have never been involved in the planning since day one with Chief Secretary (Sir) Manasupe (Zurenuoc, and when he was ill, with (John) Kali or any of these people who were working for the legislation (of LCA),” she said.

She said “we” meant her, legal counsel (Ralph Saulep) and chief financial officer (Elizabeth Lolo Bradshaw).

“These two people have been with me and to support me. They have not been paid for their services and have not been recognised,” she said.

“Basically our input, our submission for the LCA, has not been entertained. It’s ridiculous. How can you not entertain our amendments to the LCA and you still want me to sit on that thing?

“I’m a rubber stamp. I’ve had enough, and I’m stepping down publicly.

“I’m not going to lose any sleep over this. I’m still the Lae MP and I’ll see what I can do with my K15 million budget and that’s it.”

Kouza said it was up to the Government to select another candidate to be the LCA chairperson.

“There has not been any support whatsoever, secretariat support, consultative support, nothing at all,” she said.

“I’ve been in the dark all along. I have a lot of respect for the Prime Minister. I have a lot of respect for his men. But they’ve treated me like this.

“I’ve copped criticisms left, right, and centre and I’ve never said anything because, truth be told, I’ve never been in the engine room.

“I’ve waited for that. I’ve given enough time. August this year will make it one full year. I’m stepping down, that’s it.

“I don’t deserve to be treated the way I’ve been treated and I’m a member of PNC (People’s National Congress). 

“I’m a mandated leader like all these men and I’m being treated like this for what?”