Living costs too high in Manus

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday June 24th, 2013

 THE Manus provincial administration says the cost of living in the province is too high, making it hard to reach the people to provide services.

Acting provincial administrator Andrew Posong said this during the national economic and fiscal commission regional workshop in Kokopo last Wednesday.

Posong said it was costly to send officers out to address issues in parts of the province.

He said despite the cost problems they had to endure over the years, the administration had achieved much of what was required.

Posong stressed that Manus should not be seen in the same light as other provinces in the islands region because of the problems it faced. 

This includes lack of transport, poor economic base, land issues and the high cost of goods and services.

He added the late release of funds from government bodies also made it difficult to deliver services to the people.

Posong urged government bodies to support the province by purchasing boats for public servants to cut down travel costs.

He said it also needed support from national agencies to improve provisions and mechanisms for revenue-generating projects. 

The Department of Lands should facilitate the national land development programme.