LLGs receiving additional funding from province, says governor

ALL local level governments in East Sepik will receive an additional K100,000 each from taxes collected in the province, according to Governor Allan Bird.
Bird was outlining new initiatives in the 2020 provincial budget.
He said there would also be funding for cocoa programmes, plus a labour mobility office to be set up and funded.
“This should provide opportunities for hardworking persons who qualify to work for short terms in Australia,” he said.
“The East Sepik government is so fortunate to have this pre-assembly budget session and will continue to do this annually.
“We thank all our leaders who participated.
“Their contributions are invaluable.
“We look forward to more scrutiny from our leaders and the public to improve our outcomes.”
Bird previously said in two years, he expected the Sepik economy to double from the current annual turnover of K800 million.
He said that would mean 100 per cent increase in opportunities.
“The headline information is that 2020 will be a much better year for us,” he said.
“2020 to 2030 is a very exciting decade for us.
“I expect this to be the decade of exceptional growth and prosperity in the greater Sepik region.
“This requires us to broaden our mind to see the new possibilities.
“For instance, in 2017, I told our people that cocoa prices will improve in 2019.
“Plant cocoa, rehabilitate your blocks. Don’t wait for free handouts from Government. Invest in yourself, trust yourself.
“Cocoa prices did improve and those who took the opportunity are now reaping the benefits and they are going to get better in the near term.
“Today, the Sepik economy is worth around K800 million annually.
“In another two years I am expecting this figure to at least double.
“That means a 100 per cent increase in opportunities.”
Bird said local MPs in the province were working on creating opportunities for their people.