By Bridgette Komatep – EM TV, Port Moresby
District Development Authorities have now replaced the Joint District Planning and Budget Priorities Committee; and came into effect as of January 1, 2015.
Although the functions are similar, District Development Authorities have added responsibilities; and as corporate entities, are required to produce annual reports.
Previously the Joint District Planning and Budget Priorities Committee performed administrative functions only, however, now as corporate entities, District Development Authorities have added duties to perform.
Chief Secretary to the Government, Sir Manasupe Zurenouc said public servants, who include teachers, will report to their respective district administrators.
District administrators will now be known as the Chief Executive Officers for their local district development authorities’.
Each District Development Authority will receive K15 million through the Open Members District Support Grants.
With the large amount of monies being granted to the districts, the District Development Authorities are now required to produce annual reports, and the CEO has the power to refer those suspected of misusing funds, to the fraud squad.
Members of the DDA Board comprise the Open MP as Chief Executive Officer, followed by LLG Presidents and three other members of the district. Of the three, one must be a woman.
Under the new arrangement, all district development meetings will be held in the districts, and authorities will not be permitted to stage meetings outside of their localities.
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