The move to have parliament pay the allowances for the Ward Members throughout the country has come as a relief for the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, as it will ensure payments are made on time. Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Mr. Soroi Eoe who was speaking during a press conference this week, said that for a while now the department has been taking the heat on not paying outstanding Member allowances, even though it wasnt the departments responsibility. SRC (Salaries and Remuneration Commission) determination, which its report was produced last year, has brought Ward Members to the ambient of the National Parliament. So, in other words every elected leader who will be paid for by parliament, the funds will be allocated direct from the Treasury to parliament, said Minister Eoe. So, at least it takes that responsibly away from us. Thats a good thing and Im pleased with it because otherwise, our people will continue to blame us for not doing this important task. By stating this, the minister alluded that the Ward Members can now be also paid on time and not having to wait for longer periods. Reflecting on the work of his department, the minister gave a run through of their current responsibilities and the reasons for the delayed payment of allowances for the Ward Members. “Were asked to give up to date information on allowances and some times its embarrassing. But our job is basically to ensure the policy matters are implemented and administration matters are implemented. When it comes to finance, we dont deal with the finance, the minister clarified. Mr. Eoe explain that they have had to go out of their way to get the money from the Treasury to pay the Ward Members, which has been going on for some time under his leadership as Minister. “Ive had Ward Members calling from remote parts of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and I was able to talk to them, but some times I may have given them misleading information, because I tell them that its okay, our officers are dealing with it and by this time you should be able to get it. The reality is that its beyond our control because money has to come from Treasury. The minister is hoping that things should change soon and everything works well for the Ward Members in the country. Meanwhile, the Minister also announced that the Treasury has released K30 million to pay Ward Members outstanding allowances, which should cover the period of April to August 2023. Thereafter, we'll still go back to Treasury to give us new batch of money to pay for the balance, hopefully for September to December.