By Vasinatta Yama – EMTV News, Mt Hagen
Enga Province on Friday (19 October,2018) received the greater autonomy from the National Government.
This means that the Provincial and Local Level Government will be managing its financial and administrative functions.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Inter-Government Relations Minister, Kevin Isufu officially handed over these powers at the Aipus Rugby Oval to the people of Enga Province.
Thousands gathered at the Aipus rugby Oval and witnessed the signing of the transferring of financial, administrative and political powers to Enga Provincial Government.
The decentralization of some of the powers being held at the National Level to the Provincial Level translates to greater autonomy, and does not mean that the Province is independent in its decisions.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill told the people of Enga Province and PNG that this is a way forward after the Organic Law was reviewed in 2012.Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas clarified to his people that each province in PNG has its own agendas, and this gives power to the Province to focus on addressing its agendas.
Enga’s priority areas are law and order, police force and teachers appointments among others.
Sir Peter says the Provincial Government would have immediate control, so that reporting systems are in place for public servants to do their jobs properly.
Inter-Government Relations Minister, Kevin Isifu said Enga Province deserved greater autonomy because it has prepared well for over 20 years in terms of education.
Minister Isifu said the powers given must be done within the framework of the national constitution.
Enga Provincial Administrator, Dr Samson Amean added that receiving greater autonomy is not so much about money power
It is about deciding its budget, and the appointment processes, powers that were once used at the Provincial level before the reform system.
