Auga: DCC vows to act on communiqués
Minister for Provincial Government and Institution Strengthening (MPGIS), Augustine Auga has assured Provincial Premiers at the closing of the 8th Premiers Conference that the national government is serious looking into the past and current communiqués.
Formal discussions to the conference completed last week Friday with official closing at the National Museum over the weekend.
He said, one major issue raised in the Gizo communiqué is the alignment of elections that will cover both the national and provincial elections.
“This is a major focus of the DCC policy led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and my Ministry will continue to do continue to work cooperatively with the Ministry of home affairs and will try to contribute in setting up the legislative framework.
“And consultative process in ensuring that these elections schedules are harmonized to save cost and logistical arrangements,” said Minister Auga.
Auga said the government through the ministry of Provincial Government will also liaise with other line ministries and stakeholders to help address other issues raised or discussed during the 8th Premiers conference.
“I understand quite a number of issues were discussed; some of them very specific, whilst others are fundamental and cross-cutting.
“These include issues to do with governance and financial management, legislative reviews, climate change, small business development, gender mainstreaming, access to services and infrastructure, resources extraction, income distribution, community participation and decision making.”
He reassured the Premiers that all their concerns raised and written in the form of resolution will be carried forward by his ministry.
“I assure you that as the Minister responsible for provincial governments, I will take on board your concerns and raised them at the level of the national government.
“I will also try and liaise with other agencies in helping to confront and tackle some of the issues that are still current,” stressed Minister Auga.
He added: “I congratulate you too for coming up with the communiqué which all of us signed on Friday.
“The resolutions in that communiqué do not only represent issues affecting your people, but that these people are the very people who also voted us into office.
“This means that the concerns raised in the provincial assemblies are also that same concerns discussed in parliament,” said Auga.
He appealed to all provincial leaders to work together with the national leaders in tacking most of the these issues being raised at the meeting.
“I believe so much in team work and sharing of ideas. Let me also assure you that the national government will work closely with you in addressing those issues.”
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
