Financial Autonomy Critical For WNB Says Muthuvel

Two-time Governor of West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel believes the Province needs financial autonomy.

Muthuvel said service delivery will increase tenfold if the national government disembarks powers like finance, health, police and amend laws that will allow Provincial Governments to generate revenue. He also expressed concerns of the IMFS system used by the Finance Department.

“Many of the key sectors of development rest in Waigani, I believe this is the hindrance to improving the level of service delivery in Provinces. If powers are decentralized to Provinces, it will allow Provincial Governments to make bold decisions and function better, ” said Muthuvel.

“Functions like powers from the Department Roads and Infrastructure or previously Department of Works. Many of our roads have deteriorated because they are national roads and the effort to fix and maintain takes ages. If our Provincial Works is given full power to administratively work, it will function better to ensure our roads are maintained,” said Muthuvel.

The incumbent Governor told Inside PNG he will push for financial autonomy for West New Britain if he is re-elected by the people. He said WNB contributes significantly to the National Government and must be recognized.

“In order for a province to fully develop, there should be condusive pathways to harness it’s capabilities to grow its economy and support its Provincial Government. We cannot continue to depend on the National Government to make decisions, essential powers must be given to empower service delivery,” said Muthuvel.

The incumbent Governor said WNB has more potential to grow and develop if financial autonomy is given.

Muthuvel is currently on his campaign rally in the Kandrian Gloucester area. He said he respects and has no grudges against his opponents. The sitting Governor urged people to vote for someone who will deliver not just today but for their future generation.

“I am blessed to be the mandated leader in the past 10 years, my intention is genuine therefore I believe in serving the people of West New Britain”, said Muthuvel.

People have the right to choose any leader and that power is exercised through the ballot box during elections.

“I believe I have served the people of WNB,” said a confident Muthuvel.

Governor Muthuvel is defending the West New Britain Regional Seat. He was voted into Parliament in 2012.

In the 2022 National General Elections, Muthuvel is contesting against 21 other intending candidates including a woman.