DALCY LULUA
THE Department of Provincial and Local Level Govenrment (DPLG) has launched the local level government leader’s salary though National Government Payroll System on Tuesday.
Minister for Provincial and Local-Level Government Affair Soroi Eoe highlights that a total of 7277 local level government councils (LLG) for the first time since Independence, will be put on the Government’s Ascender payroll platform.
“The above figure compromises of 6375 ward councilors and 902 Community Government members of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB).
The Marape-Rosso Government in 2021 through cabinet decision 322/2021 directed for this group of elected leaders to be properly remunerated and paid fortnightly through the Alesco payroll then, now Ascenda payroll platform,” he stressed.
Eoe said the government through the Implementation of this decision will inject K2 546 950.00 into the sub-national economy thereby increasing cash flow. This also means creating 7000 plus paid fully jobs.
The Deputy Presidents, Deputy Mayor’s and Ward Councilors will be paid K350 and K300 respectively starting today (Wednesday, February 6)
He further added that the LLG leaders’ salary would be paid in batches starting with the first 12 provinces commencing on Tuesday, pay period five, the second batch in pay period six, followed by the 3rd batch in pay period seven and the last batch in pay period eight and by then all LLG leaders would have been migrated to the Ascenda payroll.
He said all payments would be backdated to pay period 1 of 2024.
Minister Eoe said the migrations to Ascender was a big shift from the previous ad-hoc allowances and inconsistent amounts.
He said the LLG Councilors going on the payroll now connects a missing link between the 3rd tier government and the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs.
“That relationship over the years has been one of unsustain and superficial with no commitments.
“DLGA will strengthen accountability mechanisms, increase roles and responsibilities of LLG Councilors. They keep an eye on just about everything that goes at the Ward, LLG and District Level,” Eoe noted.
“Having these group of leaders on the payroll will improve service delivery across all sectors in the community.
“In 2021, the Marape-Rosso Government recognized the important role LLG plays leadership under difficult conditions and therefore, it is only proper and fair that they be given due recognition and be rewarded.
Minister Eoe stressed.
“The Marape-Rosso Government understands that LLG leaders have an important role to play in taking ownership and addressing social issues affecting the country; hence when there is strong and effective leadership at the community level, there will be peace and order,” Eoe added.
Minister for Public Service Commission Joe Sungi congratulated the ward members who served the rural population of the country.
“As of today, this very moment, I take this opportunity to cut the ribbon and witness the first lot of payrolls to enter the respective ward members account,” he said.
Caption: Minister for Public Service Commission Joe Sungi officially launching the LLG leaders on the Government’s Ascenda payroll platform as the Minister for Provincial and Local-Level Government Soroi Eoe watches on. – Picture by Dalcy Lulua
