Local government leaders call for dedication to service delivery

PRESIDENTS from three local level governments in Huon Gulf, Morobe, have called on the provincial government to ensure all LLG administration officers are in their stations to deliver services to the people.
Andrew Tera (Morobe), Mathias Kolo (Salamaua) and Boaras Giuka (Wampar), who represent 65 wards in the district, raised their concern with MP Ross Seymour and Morobe deputy administrator (policy and planning) Miring Singoling last Friday.
Tera said the geographical isolation of the Morobe LLG required its manager, executive officer as well as agricultural and fisheries officers in Morobe station to implement their LLG development plans.
“The Huon Gulf district office in Lae is not the councillors’ and presidents’ office,” he said.
“We have offices back in the LLG stations and we want the officers back there to implement government policies.”
Kolo said he wanted officers in the district to do their jobs competently and be available to the community.
“LLG officers needed to be mindful that I will strictly uphold the 8am to 4.06pm schedule and no officer should be in Lae doing nothing,” he said.
“We need proper facilities and equipment in LLG stations to serve the people.”
Giuka called on councillors and presidents to monitor LLG administration officers to ensure they carried out their roles, duties and responsibilities efficiently and diligently.
Seymour agreed and called for a collective and collaborative approach to serve the people.
“Think smart and out of the box and use your five-year LLG development plans,” Seymour said. He also urged councillors and presidents to work together on projects and programmes and to communicate effectively and aim for the overall development and improvement of the district.
“Utilise proper channels,” Seymour said
“Respect established government offices and structures from ward up to provincial government office when submitting documents to acquire services.”