Project upsets Temu

 ABAU MP Sir Puka Temu has directed the restructure of a newly-launched rural service delivery project that is not aligned to the Government’s plans.

He has instructed provincial and local level government affairs secretary Munare Uyassi and Central provincial administrator Gei Raga to restructure the rural service delivery and local governance project. 

The project is based on a community-driven development approach aiming to improve access, quality and management of basic public services delivered to rural communities. 

It was launched last Wednesday by the Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Department and tried out in Central and Western for three years. 

Governor Kila Haoda launched the project for Central last Friday, witnessed by presidents and ward councillors, department officials, provincial government staff and the project sponsor, World Bank.  

Sir Puka was disappointed with the launching of the project in Central. 

“I am not happy with this project. As the Public Service Minister, I direct the secretary and Central provincial administration to go back and restructure it,” he said.

“Let’s do away with the project mode and use the programme mode. “You have the ability to do it. Instead of getting consultants from outside, let us utilise our capacities.”

He had discussed the matter with Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc and will talk with Inter-government Relations Minister Leo Dion on the restructure.

Rigo MP Ano Pala said he was not aware of the project until recently.

Sir Puka said the Government wanted to focus on rural districts and local level governments as demonstrated by the K500 million funding for LLGs.