The debate over the proposed Lae City Commission has drawn a host of responses from members of the public.
Some say the Lae City Commission is good for development but politicians must publicly discuss the benefits for the province.
Others are questioning the decision in light of recent ministerial changes involving the Member for Lae.
The Morobe Provincial Executive Council remains unmoved in its' decision to go against the idea of a proposed Lae City Commission.
Lae City Council’s money problem has been an ongoing issue. While it remains underfunded, the national government is pushing to create a commission.
Former city manager, Roy Kamen, says the idea of a commission is good for development. “It will be good for development,” he says.
But he says there needs to be more consultation between the NEC and the Morobe provincial government to find mutual ground.
While some Morobean leaders want proper dialogue, others remain against the idea. For the last two weeks, there has been much debate on the Lae City Commission idea.
Former and present Morobean politicians have come out to state their positions, each calling on the NEC in Port Moresby for a joint consultation.
The national government also remains unmoved. The NEC has made Lae MP, Loujaya Kouza, chairperson of the Lae City Commission.
She revealed today that the Prime Minister backs the proposal and she is carrying out the process of establishing the commission.
“Its only to build roads to increase power capacity and water capacity,” said Prime Minister, Peter O&rsquO’Neill.
A city commission is a concept thought out to handle public works, finance and public safety. A chairperson would head it or even a mayor tasked with administering subdivided areas.
While the idea has its benefits, some still see it as a duplication of roles.
There’s also the argument that the existing city council system should be strengthened so that garbage is collected on time and the roads are fixed.
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