Ward Members from the 18 Local Level Governments (LLG’s) across the four districts in East New Britain (ENB) province are still waiting to be paid their salaries since the Return of Writs in November 2025.
David ToDes Tommy, the Ward 19 Member in Balanataman LLG, and the spokesperson for the disgruntled Ward Members, is appealing to the responsible authorities to do something about their salaries, as soon as possible.
“We hit the ground running performing our mandated duties straight after we were sworn in and we still have not received our pay yet. It’s been 6 months since the completion of LLG elections in November last year and this is frustrating,” said Mr. Tommy.
The ward members have taken their concern to the ENB Provincial Government in January this year and are still waiting. After two trips to Port Moresby city by the ENB provincial government representatives, they have not received any positive response, causing more frustration for them and their families.
When PNG Haus Bung reached out to ENB Governor Michael Marum, he said, he had been informed by a few ward members and spoke to the Provincial Administrator last week to look into this matter and address it because this is not fair.
“These are our very first contact on the ground when I travel into the Districts and LLG’s. Especially during the disaster period, the ward members have been very helpful and active in their leadership roles. They are actually doing their work on the ground,” the good governor said.
The governor is still waiting for his Provincial Administrator for his response because he does not want to go barking at them and giving instructions, breaking protocols.
“As the governor, I want to sincerely extend my apologies to all the ward members and their family. These people are actually doing their work and have committed their time and support during the disaster period,” he said.
Meanwhile, attempts by PNG Haus Bung to seek more information from the Department of Local Level Government and the Minister regarding the unpaid salaries for the ward members have been unsuccessful.
