Legislation for new entity to manage Kokoda underway

By LUKE KAMA
REVIEWS into Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) over the management of the World War 2 icon have already been finished and the draft legislation for a new entity is underway, an official says.
The strategic adviser for Kokoda Initiative (KI), Mark Nizette, told The National on Monday that there were two different reviews undertaken concurrently, one was sanctioned by Kokoda Initiative Ministerial Committee (KIMC) and other one was undertaken by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLLGA).
“The one undertaken through the Kokoda Initiative Committee, as directed by the prime minister through the Office of the Chief Secretary has concluded and a report of the findings and recommendations were sent to the Kokoda Initiative committee.
“The committee then asked for a draft legislation for a new entity to be done. “This is currently underway now.”
Nizette said the review done by DPLLGA was also completed.
He said the findings and recommendations in the two reviews were very similar.
“The ones done by DPLLGA will be presented to the KIC next week, but due to the national leaders’ meeting coming up, it is deferred by one week,” Nizette said. He said findings and recommendations from the two reviews would be put together to seek a new legislation to better manage the track.
“Based on the first review, draft legislation for a new entity has already commenced,” Nizette said.
“Whatever findings and recommendations from the other review undertaken by the DPLLGA, amendments will be made to capture the findings and recommendations of both.”
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill asked for a review into KTA last year after concerns were raised on the floor of Parliament.