The amendments to procurement laws have increased the threshold of funding, allowing more leverage in terms of the ceiling level of public funds for development. This amendment was applauded during the official swearing-in ceremony of the Samarai-Murua District Procurement Committee (SMDPC). The SMDPC comprises of individuals from various sectors in the district, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Garo Bala, District Finance Manager Sosola Wame, Justice Law and Order Representative Kevin Muri, Community Representative Ronnie Mansa and Women’s representative Atelin Kira. Also present at the swearing in ceremony were the National Procurement Commission (NPC) CEO Joe Sapa, with MP for Samarai Murua and Tourism Art and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard. Speaking during the ceremony, Samarai Murua MP Henry Isi Leonard said that with the previous provisions in the law, the threshold limit was very low, reducing the quality and quantity of goods and services delivered. “So, the current government in its wisdom made those amendments to these laws whereby this DPC can now procure Five-Million-Kina limit and our District CEO can procure One-Million-Kina limit, from a previous Five-Hundred-Thousand-Kina.” “Now we are given that leverage to act within those laws and limits to ensure that services are delivered fast. The most important thing is that as soon as we complete as per our DDA resolutions and budgets, DPC sits and within its limits we can pass those projects and programs and roll it out to the district and respective wards.” MP Leonard commended the now sworn in members of the SMDPC and challenged them to be fair, in terms of opinion, judgement and for there to be equal and fair distribution of public funds for the people in district. NPC CEO Mr. Sapa said the SMDPC are now empowered and play a critical role and they must get acquitted with the manual and business courses. He added that they at the NPC were there to assist and run hands on training for the committee as well.