Presidents concerned about being excluded

LOCAL level government presidents are concerned about being left out of joint district planning and budget priority committee (JDPBPC) meetings.
President of  Ialibu Basin LLG in Imbonggu district, Southern Highlands, Robert Dopo said only presidents were present during such meetings but most of them often missed out on having a say on their K10 million government grant.
Dopo said developments were taking place as a result of JDPBPCmeetings in which road rehabilitation, building of foot bridges, supporting school and health infrastructure and many other projects were discussed.
“I am concerned that every LLG president in the districts, local MPs plus the administration should sit together and discuss the future of the district,” he said.
He said JDPBPC approved the LLG budget, made recommendations to the provincial government on budget allocations and drew up the five-year district development plans.
“This is an important role the JDPBPC plays and how can only a few interested people including the MPs make the decision for everyone? We need transparency and fairness.”
Dopo said he was happy with the new amendment bill to have the district development authority to replace the JDPBPC but it  would still  be chaired by the open MP and would have the same membership as the JDPBPC.
“It is good that the district administrators will be the chief executive officers of the authority and all public servants to be under the control of the CEO.
“We would see greater change in the districts through the district development authority and we are happy with the government of the day.
“The bill amends the organic law on provincial government and local level governments and we LLG presidents want every LLG president to be present for the important meeting and not just a few interested parties,” Dopo said.