Why councillors are going to be paid their outstanding dues?

FINSCHHAFEN MP PAITA TAKES PLIGHT OF COUNCILORS TO GOV’T ATTENTION

By Wanpis Ako

Finschhaffen MP Renbo Paita has taken yet another responsibility of the councilors’ plight in a question to Treasury Minister Charles Abel on their outstanding allowances.

Finschhfen MP Renbo Paita

In the wake of the LLG elections looming in July this year, during Question Time in Parliament this month, Mr Paita sought clarification from Abel on when he was disbursing the balance of their dues.

Paita, who is the assistant Speaker in the 10th Parliament, said his initial question to the minister in the previous Parliament session had prompted the government to have disbursed a portion of their allowances. Their outstanding allowances should be paid in full before they go to the polls, he told Parliament.

Paita in action with the Raffles band of Singapore at PNC party's red ball fundraiser for earthquake relief

Treasurer Abel -who is also the Deputy Prime Minister- said the government had recognized the three- tier levels of government by way of ‘improved allowances.’

 he government, he said, was serious in empowering the sub-national governments.

 Abel added that their allowances for January were released. He further stated that the government was betting on the improvement in global economic conditions to fulfill its commitment entirely.

From the left: Western Governor Yoto, Petroleum Minister Pok, Police Minister Wong and Finschhafen MP Renbo Paita

 Abel assured them that the government was hoping to pay them in drips and drabs soon. Treasurer Abel congratulated Paita for the development of Special Economic Zone-a first of its kind-through an innovation on feasibility study of block chain technology in the district.

Related readings: https://www.thenational.com.pg/officials-meet-hear-submissions-llg-elections/

Author Reference: Wanpis Ako has graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Public Relations. He has briefly worked with two daily newspapers of Papua New Guinea-The National and Post Courier. His work experience has been extended into the Prime Minister Media Unit and the office of Parliamentary Opposition Leader of Papua New Guinea- not to mention the Ministries of Treasury, Higher Education, Communications, Information Technology and Energy.  He has got over five years experience in digital marketing, branding, public affairs, media and public relations.