MP: Discipline yourselves

 By SHIRLYN BELDEN 

PUBLIC servants in Northern have been urged to be disciplined in performing their duties in order for the government to successfully reach the rural people with basic services and development. 

Finance Minister James Marape, who was in Popondetta last Friday to commission two district treasury offices, said public servants were expected to comply with instructions and put their hearts into their work to ensure development reached the rural population. 

 “I appeal to the people of Sohe and Ijivitari and Northern as a whole to take ownership and responsibility and respect this resource (the district treasury offices). 

“To the officers or public servants, the onus is on you to do your job. 

“You are the government’s presence here at the local and provincial level and so you must apply your skills and knowledge to serve the people. 

“Understand and follow instructions,” he said. 

Marape emphasised there were stringent rules that public servants in the province were expected to adhere to. 

He said lateness to work, procrastination with assignments, betel nut chewing 

and alcohol consumption in offices were awful habits and attitudes that should not be tolerated. 

Provincial administrator Owen Awaita said he would be firm with getting all public servants to work to utilise the resources sent by the government. 

“There are no more excuses for any public servant to laze or do things other than your responsibilities. 

“My administration will come down hard and I urge every public servant to uphold compliance and respect at work,” Awaita said.