By Michelle Amba – EM TV News, Mt. Hagen
The newly enacted Mt.Hagen City Authority has started its operation as a municipal government.
After the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer, Leo Noki, by the National Executive Council, the Authority has met with concerned stakeholders in Mt.Hagen.
Since the enactment of City Authority status for Lae and Mt.Hagen last year, Hagen is the first to implement the concept as part of the government’s economic agenda.
Its first exercise will be a major cleanathon for Mt.Hagen city this Saturday.
All stakeholders including, law agents, schools, churches and non-government organisations have been encouraged to join in the cleanup.
Mt.Hagen city’s current state is in total disorder – rubbish piles at bus stops, markets and on city streets.
City street sellers and illegal activities have become a norm in the city.
However, the new Mt.Hagen City Authority under the leadership of Leo Noki is planning on addressing this starting off with a major cleanup this weekend.
In a recent news conference, Mr.Noki said the way forward is to work with residents including tribal communities to take ownership of the city by being responsible.
Western Highlands Provincial Adminisrator, Joseph Neng, commended the government for this act, and pledged to work with the new authority.
Mr. Noki said all neighbouring tribes and city residents are geared up to clean the city, getting rid of all street vending ,informal markets, Sunday markets all these to stop all littering and illegal activities by the public.
Meanwhile, under the Mt.Hagen City Authority Act 2015 ,the member for Hagen Open will be the chairman of its board while the Lord Mayor will be the deputy.
The organisational structure for the Authority is yet to be finalised.
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