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Calls for Reinstatement

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Calls for Reinstatement

Calls by Koiari Landowners for the reinstatement of Obed Batia has been echoed by the Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC).

The Trade Union Congress made the call to reinstate Obed Batia as CEO for PNG Power Limited (PPL).

The demand comes amidst mounting controversies around PPL’s management and the alleged government interference.

Anton Sekum, Acting General Secretary of PNGTUC said in a statement that the National Executive Council’s (NEC) decision to align PPL’s employment contracts with the provisions of the Essential Services Act, without declaring a state of emergency, points to “ulterior motives”. Sekum questioned why the policy specifically targets PPL employees, while other essential service providers are unaffected.

Sekum also criticized the replacement of experienced PPL staff with less experienced personnel. Claiming that the subsequent termination of employment, intimidation, and reduction of employee benefits are demotivating factors that could lead to decreased productivity.

The forced resignation of Obed Batia, along with the signing of new employment contracts prohibiting union affiliation, has received particular attention. The PNGTUC has called for Batia’s reinstatement, arguing that these actions will not help turn PPL around.

Furthermore, Sekum highlighted that the frequent power blackouts have worsened. Since the NEC-backed intervention program began at the start of the year.

Speculation continues over a K1 billion loan from a syndicate of lenders, funded in December 2022. Which will reportedly be appropriated in the 2024 budget to rehabilitate PPL. Sekum questioned why the proceeds from this loan was not included in the 2023 budget. Suggesting that parking public funds with Limited Companies could allow for disbursement outside the oversight of government apparatus.

In a call to action, Sekum urged the government to reinstate Batia, dismiss the current PPL board and its chairman, and adopt a fresh approach to resolving PPL‘s issues.

This situation continues to evolve, with the stakeholders eagerly waiting for the government’s response.

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Koiari LLG Focus on Capacity Building

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Koiari LLG

The Koiari Local Level Government in the Hiri Koiari District of Central Province has invested in a new Administration Building. This is part of their capacity building program.

The LLG Manager Alfred Kennedy said, the administration center which used to be at Sogeri, is now being built at 15 mile. Less than an hours drive outside of Port Moresby.

The new administration building is being constructed at the cost of K320 000. Funded by the Central Provincial Administration.

Koiari LLG Admin Building

The LLG president said this is part of their strategic plan to build their capacity at the LLG level, and to ensure a good working environment for their workers.

“With the increase in Population and their demand for basic services, we need to have a better plan to serve our people. But we must sit in a good office space to do our work, and serve the interest of our people,” Kenedy said.

Koiari LLG Manager Alfred Kennedy

The LLG president said, with the new administration building in place, there are plans to build staff houses, including a health center.

“People from this ward area have to travel to Sogeri to get treatment. We need a health center to cater for the people of 14 mile and 15 mile. And also neighboring wards.” Kennedy said.

With Hiri Koiari being one of the newly established District in the province, the LLG is working closely with their local MP to ensure that their development aspirations are achieved.

However, Kennedy highlighted the shortage of staff from the LLG office.

“Currently we have only three staff. We are planning to recruit more casual workers to assist us in data collection and other administration duties.”

With all these plans in place, however, work on the administration building have been delayed, due to funding constraints.

The Koiari LLG Manager said they are committed to have their administration center completed by November.

Koiari LLG

Recent: https://insidepng.com/pom-out-of-water-supply/

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