By BRADLEY MARIORI
Morobe Governor, Rainbo Paita has announced the review of all Boards and Committees established by Morobe Provincial Executive Council from 2022 to 2025.
Paita said the PEC deliberated on establishment and status of each Board and Committee that is established either by national or provincial legislation or by PEC approved Policy or Decision and their performance.
The review noted that many Boards and Committee did not meet or have clear terms of reference and even committed funds outside of their jurisdictions some going beyond K1 million.
“Most Boards and Committees had appointments outside of the legal prescribed persons such as in the Morobe Physical Planning Board and Morobe Lands Board,” Paita said.
“Many Boards had persons with less-industry experience such as the Liquor Licensing Board and Transport and Small Crafts Board and Tourism Board. Some of the Boards, their term has expired. That include Babafic Trust Board, Provincial Boundary Review Committee, Climate Change and Carbon Trade Board, Revenue Board, Infrastructure Board, Agriculture Board, Law and Order Committee, Nadzab Township Authority Board, Communications and Technology Board, Provincial Events, Committee, and the Investment Board.”
Paita said most of these Committees and Boards have not outlined their purpose, functions and its capacity and funding including manpower.
From the number of Committees established, the Governor said their intentions are good but these PEC Decisions were made without risk management and the financial and legal clearances.
The Governor announced that the decision must be based on consultation and also on the Move Morobe Up and Transform Morobe Agenda.
“Policy and financial decisions are important for the Morobe Province and any decisions must be made with good intentions and to be implemented.
“Having many representatives is good for diverse views but with persons not grounded in the industry or sector can also be liability.
“Most Boards and Committees did not understand their roles, functions not prescribed and even their remuneration such as sitting allowances and fee were not prescribed.”
He said having too many Boards or Committees that do not deliver can have financial constraints and also attract negative criticisms instead of greater political and community support.
Paita said most of the Boards and Committees term of three years had exceeded and the PEC resolved to accept new nominations from Chamber of Commerce, Churches, Women and Farmers and Industry Associations and also ex officio members to provide guidance and direction.
He said the Provincial Executive Council will review all Boards and Committees and make decision on a case-by-case basis and those Boards appointed with own legislation will take precedence.
