Former councillors appeal to Admin

The councillors and presidents headed by Muglamp LLG president William Noki (centre) with the circular after their press conference at the Kiminiga Lodge in Mt Hagen.

By JACOB POK

Former councillors and LLG Presidents of Western Highlands are appealing to the Provincial Administration to comply with a circular notice issued by the Ministry for Local Level Government Affairs for former councillors of the five failed LLGs in Western Highlands to continue as councillors and presidents.

The councillors headed by Muglamp LLG Present William Noki said the Minister for Local Level Government Affairs Leo Dion has issued a circular notice advising all provincial administration to allow former councillors and presidents to continue to hold office in those regions that the LLG elections were declared failed.

Mr Noki said Minister Dion who is also the Deputy Prime Minister explained in the recent parliament sitting that pending the preparations for by-election on the failed LLG elections, the former councillors should continue to participate in meetings and perform their duties.

Mr Noki said the Western Highland Provincial Administration had continued to obstruct the circular although numerous calls were made for them to allow the councillors to work. Mr Noki said the LLG funds for the five failed LLG’s in Hagen could not be accessed since 2013 when the provincial administration refused former councillors from carrying out their duties.

“The five failed LLG’s in Western Highlands are no different to other Provinces and that the provincial administration should allow the former councillors to carry out their duties. While other LLG’s are progressing with developments, the five LLGs in Western Highlands have been stagnant in terms of developments for the last three years,” Mr Noki added.

Former President of Dei District Tei Koime also expressed similar sentiments saying that the provincial administration and Governor Paias Wingti should allow the councillors to continue with their duties to allow the flow of services in the LLGs.

“We appeal to our Governor Mr Wingti to allow us councillors to access our funds and work to serve our community. The more the delay, the more the people suffer in the rural districts,” Mr Koime said.

He said it was not proper to deprive the rights of the local councillors who deserve to work and lead their people in their respective LLG’s.

“If the Minister responsible is giving the directions, the provincial administration should comply rather than delaying as it only hinders development and progress in the LLGs,” Mr Koime added.