By ESWIN PLESIO
SIXTY Local-Level Government (LLG) leaders from across West New Britain Province are taking part in an induction training program aimed at strengthening their understanding of governance, leadership roles, and administrative responsibilities.
The training, held in Kimbe yesterday, brought together LLG presidents and ward councillors from Kimbe Urban, Talasea, Bali Vitu, Mosa, and Hoskins LLGs.
The program is being facilitated by officers from the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA), including Director for PLASMA Inspection, Taian Mackey, and Director Media, Riwan Nimbi.
The induction is designed to equip newly elected leaders with the knowledge and skills required to effectively carry out their responsibilities while ensuring proper governance and service delivery within their respective communities.
Speaking during the opening of the training, West New Britain Provincial Administrator Leo Mapmani highlighted the importance of understanding the distinct roles of the legislative and executive arms of government.
“Most of the time, the executives wanted to override the work of our leaders, and politicians wanted to come in and take over the administration work,” Mr Mapmani said.
“Through this session, you will know the importance of legislative and executive.”
He encouraged participants to use the training as an opportunity to better understand their mandates and work collaboratively within the established governance framework.
The induction program in West New Britain follows a similar training conducted in Madang Province, making West New Britain the second province in the country to host the DPLGA-led initiative.
Meanwhile, Mr Mackey and Mr Nimbi are expected to continue the induction program next week for LLG presidents and ward councillors from Cenaka and East Nakanai LLGs. The training sessions will be held in Bialla and Kandrian, extending the program’s reach to more local leaders across the province.
Provincial officials say the training is an important step towards building capable and informed local leaders who can effectively represent their communities and contribute to improved governance at the grassroots level.