Port Moresby, March 5, 2024 – The Marape Pangu Pati Government has reached a significant milestone today, effectively generating 7,277 new job opportunities by implementing direct payments to Local Level Government (LLG) leaders through the Alesco Payroll System. This is the first time since 1975 that LLG leaders have been put on the Government payroll.This initiative, spearheaded by Provincial and Local Level Government Minister Hon. Soroi Eoe and Public Service Minister Hon. Joe Sungi, marks a crucial step towards empowering rural communities and stimulating economic growth.
Minister Eoe unveiled this groundbreaking initiative during a ceremony in Port Moresby today, which underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of community leaders nationwide.
Highlighting the inclusivity of this endeavor, Minister Eoe also announced that Community Government Leaders from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB) would benefit from this initiative, emphasising the government’s dedication to fostering development and prosperity across all regions.
Effective immediately, the National Government will commence payments to 6,899 Ward Members and 378 Deputy Presidents, Deputy Mayor’s and Deputy Leaders of the Community Governments in the ARoB. These payments, backdated to January 2024, are poised to inject K2.5 million fortnightly into the rural economy, providing a significant cash flow boost.
Minister Eoe reflected on the government’s proactive approach to address the longstanding grievances of councillors nationwide, highlighting a pivotal Cabinet Decision in 2021. This decision mandated the direct payment of all elected LLG leaders through the Alesco Payroll System, ensuring timely and consistent remuneration for their invaluable contributions to their communities.
“Cabinet’s approval of an increase in allowances for Councillors to K600 per month, alongside Deputy Presidents’ Rate remaining at K700 per month, underscores our commitment to recognising and rewarding the pivotal roles of LLG and Community Government leaders,” Minister Eoe stated.
The government’s decision to streamline payments through the Alesco Payroll System aims to eliminate delays experienced under the previous system, enhancing efficiency and accountability in governance. By prioritising the welfare and morale of LLG leaders, Minister Eoe expressed confidence in their ability to drive positive change and uphold peace and order within their communities.
As Papua New Guinea prepares for the LLG Election on September 27, 2024, Minister Eoe emphasised the government’s readiness to accommodate new LLGs and Wards, ensuring the continued expansion of job opportunities and service delivery across the nation.
Minister Eoe concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering LLG and Community Government leaders, stating, “By placing all LLG Ward Members on the Alesco payroll, we aim to bolster their morale, enhance performance, and ultimately, foster sustainable development and prosperity across Papua New Guinea.”
