Kua accuses govt of stealing

 ATTORNEY-General Kerenga Kua has accused the State of using the law to steal labour from village court officials and ward councillors.

The Justice Minister told Parliament that the government emphasised on minimum wages for employees but did not properly compensate village courts and councillors for their work and time in making the communities safe and peaceful by dealing with crime.

“The wages of village courts and councillors have been a long overdue issue,” he said. 

“I’m confused why the situation has not been addressed and the government has been overlooking the very people who work hard and sacrifice and risk their lives.

“We used the law to steal their labour. That must stop and put everyone on fortnightly payroll as it would cost less than K30 million,” he said.

This has assisted in a sharp decline in law and order problems in his Sinasina Yongomugl and Kundiawa towns.

He plans to table a submission in parliament to increase the pay of village courts officers.