NCD appoints councillors

NCD Governor Powes Parkop took the initiative to appoint the ward councillors to represent the local level government, which has never been encouraged in the city.

Addressing the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Parkop expressed concern that the capital city had failed miserably in establishing and encouraging LLG councillors.

He said setting up LLG and ward councillors was a direct government responsibility to ensure local leaders were on the ground to help in community activities.

"The LLG should not be part of NCD but should operate under the national government as the third level of government," Parkop said.

"This system has been delayed so far and we now have to seriously look into getting the system back in place and operating like in other provinces."

His administration had to look into the NCD Act and amend it to include the LLG to encourage ward councillors in communities in the city.

The Governor said he had to appoint councillors of both genders in order to promote gender equality and provide an environment where men could respect women leaders and work together.

The 39 councillors represented the three electorates in the city and were officially sworn-in as ward councillors by the Chief Magistrate Jack August.