A call has been made to the East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG) through the district administration and division of LLG and Ward Affairs not to turn a a blind eye on wards when they need support.
The more than 100 Ward Development Committee (WDC) from Livuan Reimber LLG in the Gazelle district made this call during the swearing in program at their LLG chamber.
Speaking on behalf of the WDCs Theonial Watmelik said the Provincial administration decision to endorse these ward policies in the direction to focus on ward level is the right thing and best way in the quest for a better ENB.
She said the two weeks induction and mentoring plus now the swearing in is an eye opener and a beginning of a new chapter.
“We are the genie pigs to the pioneer of the decentralization of the government of PNG in East New Britain at the local level government,” said Mrs. Watmelik.
She further stated that the the 1997 Provincial act is not a mistake majority has taken place and it is important that the sworn in WDCs now are the role models of the future generation.
The 29 wards and the people in the LLG witnessed the swearing in of the WDCs and signing info oaths facilitated by magistrate Shiella Luben.
The LLG president Sam Piniau also stressed that the district administration must not over see proposals from the wards but must prioritize them so that WDCs are also happy to do their job in serving the people in their respective wards.
Mr Piniau thanked the ward and LLG affairs division and Provincial administration for the program as this will strengthen ward governance and make a change in the wards.
The WDCs raised that they need more time for mentoring and induction of the WDCs and also do follow up and members must visit the wards from time to time and hear the cries of the WDCs.
“We cannot do our work without funding or proper tools we have been empowered to do our work but there are challenges such as no community hall, funding and others and the province and district must work together with the WDCs to serve our people,” said Mr Pinau.