A group calledthe Dakom Watch Council was recently formed in Daru, Western Province, to monitor and ensure earmarked services are delivered tothe people atthe ward level.
The way to do this, is keeping a tab on how budgets for the province are being allocated and spent.
The Budget Tracking workshop conducted bythe Consultative, Implementation and Monitoring Council was an eye-opener for the participants.
The thirty participants displayed great interest inthe workshop. They realized how vital it was to know and understand government’structures, systems and processes of how development grants are made available, howthey are used, and howthe spending is reported.
This year’s budget for Western Province stands at over 190 million kina. Participants said some ofthese funds are ether utilized or notoandthe problem lies with public servants and networking.
The Dakom Watch Council said it will push for appropriate people atthe LLG level to implementthe budget well.
Provincial Administrator Dr. Modowa Gumoi has also stated that he is inthe process of removing non-performing public servants.
The participants, consisting ward councilors and community lLeaders also said that communities lack capital and assets to provide services atthe LLG levels. Avenues to generate revenue are at an all-time low.
The task now is for LLG lLeadersto be versed with appropriate laws and budget information so thatthey are able to keep track ofthe funds coming intothe province, and ensuretheir implementation.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=DOWgcrymgts%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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