LLG officers to be paid fortnightly, says Niningi

INTER-GOVERNMENT Relations Minister Pila Niningi says councillors and deputy local level government (LLG) presidents and mayors across the country will be paid a fortnightly wages under the government’s Alesco payroll system.
Niningi said councillors would receive K300 fortnightly while deputy LLG presidents and mayors would receive K350.
He was at the Imbonggu office in Walume to officiate at a handover ceremony of the Imbonggu development authority chief executive officer’s position.
Niningi, who is Imbonggu MP said the councillors payroll system, which was currently in use, would be replaced so that they (councillors) received fortnightly wages instead of monthly allowances.
Councillors currently receive a monthly allowance of K400 while LLG deputy presidents and mayors receive K700 monthly under the previous system developed by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs.
Niningi said these officers comprised leadership at the third tier of government and needed to be given adequate support.
“They deserve to be paid fortnightly because they play a crucial role in establishing peace in their wards,” he said.
He said it was a good initiative by the Government as it would encourage them to work harder.
Niningi said councillors were the link between district and provincial governments, and the rural population.
He said they organised their wards, disseminate information and were looked upon to settle or mediate disputes, which was why they deserved recognition from the Government.