8 Oct 2018

PNG's East New Britain set for more control of own finances

From , 6:01 am on 8 October 2018

The East New Britain governor in Papua New Guinea says having more autonomy will mean his province exerts more control of its own finances.

Nakikus Konga says it will also allow his province to tailor development programmes to suit local communities.

Last week PNG's prime minister Peter O'Neill announced there would be more "autonomy" for East New Britain in the form of devolution of some powers.

With details thin on the ground, Johnny Blades asked the Governor how the new arrangement will work.

Mr Konga began by explaining that the system of service delivery has been failing rural communities since the mid-1990s.

Kerevat National High School, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Kerevat National High School, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades