Motu-Kotabu chairman sworn in as NCDC deputy governor

BY JEFFREY ELAPA
Newly-elected Motu-Koitabu Assembly chairman Dadi Toka Junior was sworn in as deputy Governor and commissioner of the National Capital District Commission on Tuesday.
Toka Jr was sworn in by Magistrate Tracy Ganaii.
The swearing-in was witnessed by Governor Powes Parkop, City Manager Bernard Kipit, Motu-Koitabu leaders Sir Moi Avei and Sir Dadi Toka, members of the Motu-Koitabu Assembly and NCDC staff at City Hall.
The ceremony is the third after Parliament gave greater autonomy to the Motu-Koitabu Assembly in 2007.
Parkop congratulated and welcomed Toka Jr as his deputy and commissioner.
He spoke of NCDC and the assembly establishing a strong partnership to address development needs of the Motu-Koitabu people.
Parkop said the last two terms were missed opportunities for the Motu-Koitabu people as nothing much was achieved.
“From the outset, I can’t blame anyone,” he said. “I should have taken the responsibility and provided leadership for the benefit of our Motu-Koitabu people.
“However, I respect the assembly.
“I want to work with my deputy to strengthen the partnership.
“I will increase the resource you need, even higher than your (current) budget.
“I will make available extra resources, over your budget so we can go as far as we can after those lost and missed opportunities.”
Parkop called on the assembly to not to look at the resources envelope but concentrate on what really matters for the people.
“Over the last two terms in office as the governor, I see our Motu-Koitabu people lacking in everything,” he said.
“They do not have water, sewerage and sanitation system, better electricity and other municipal services like those enjoyed by the city residents.
“Through the partnership, we have to work together to address these disparities to help improve the lives of our people.