Jana Zoriry – EMTV Online
The Motu Koitabu Assembly Act 2007 has never been recognized by the Government since its enactment.
In a press statement released by the Assembly today (August 6), the Assembly Acting Chairman, Opao Udia expressed frustration on the neglect by the Government.
“Motu Koitabu or the Act for that matter has never been given any special consideration by the Government since 2007,” says Mr Udia.
Mr Udia expressed his frustration after the Motu Koitabu Assembly elections were allowed to go on as scheduled but current members would not be paid their allowances.
The Government has allowed the Motu Koitabu elections to go on under a special agreement established by a separate Act of Parliament, which was passed in 2007.
Mr Udia questioned the Government move and asked why the Government regarded the Assembly ‘special’ all of a sudden.
“How can the Government be calling Motu Koitabu a special case when the provisions in the Act to make it a unique set up is hardly recognised and the requirements of the Act not entertained at all to this day,” asked Udia.
“We have never been given any priority nor any special treatment by the Government and its related agencies,” Mr Udia emphasised.
The Motu Koitabu Assembly has been depending on monthly financial grants from the NCDC for its administrative functions and development initiatives.
Under this arrangement with NCDC, the Assembly has been able to function in the past years.
“I feel the Motu Koita Assembly, the duly elected and authorised governing authority of the Motu and Koitabu people will remain powerless until such time the relevant government agencies start recognising the Act and its provisions for the betterment of the people,” Udia said.
Image soure: Skera PNG
