Local govts to have bank accounts

NATIONAL Planning and Monitoring Minister Sam Basil announced yesterday that local level government (LLG) wards nationwide will need to have bank accounts to benefit from the K65 million allocated by the Government.
Basil, who is also the Bulolo MP, said Bank South Pacific would start by opening accounts of 20 wards in his district from Jan 6-13.
“I have also invited relevant Government agencies to observe this and take advantage of the opportunity to study the wards with a view to working out what’s on the ground,” he said.
“They can assess what’s on the ground in terms of Government services and how to collaborate and ensure sustained and cost effective ward service delivery including vital statistics and data collection.”
He said the initiative was in line with the minimum service standards required under the National Planning and Monitoring Responsibility Act.
“This initiative also complements the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Act of minimum service delivery programmes in districts,” he said.