MP tells LLG presidents to return to their elected centres

Delta Fly MP Agena Gamai has called on local level government [LLG] presidents across the district to return to their designated growth centres and serve their communities locally rather than operating out of Balimo, Western.

Speaking at the official opening of the new Fly Gogodala LLG chamber in Tapila, Gamai said the official seat of government for each LLG must be respected and utilized effectively by local leadership.

"When you live in Balimo, your councillors and your people will follow you, and when they follow you, they will come with all the demands for their stay in Balimo," he said.

Addressing the Fly Gogodala president directly, the local MP said there was no longer any justification for operating remotely now that dedicated infrastructure has been constructed.

"Fly Gogodala President, now you have no excuse," he said. "You must bring your people back to the seat of government we have already built. Tapila is the seat of government for the Fly Gogodala LLG."

Gamai confirmed that significant funding has been allocated to build out administrative hubs in neighboring LLGs across the district. Tabo LLG received K500,000 to construct its seat of government at Sewase, Aramia Gogodala was also given K500,000 for infrastructure at Awaba, and Wawoi-Guavi LLG also received similar funding to establish its center at Kamusie.

"Presidents, the more you stay in Balimo, the more our people will follow you there," Gamai said. "You are a leader elected and you have responsibility, come back to serve your people here."

Drawing on his own prior experience serving as Bamu LLG president based out of Emeti, Gamai said that modern telecommunications have eliminated the need for local officials to base themselves out of urban hubs like Balimo.

"Today we are connected through communication. You can just communicate from here, not go and stay in Balimo and leave your people," he said.

Gamai also directed LLG managers and public servants to return to their respective stations, stating that once the current round of facility construction concludes, administrative officers will be expected to remain permanently on-site in their districts.