New Ireland traditional leaders petition provincial government over administrative vacuum

Traditional leaders representing communities across New Ireland Province have petitioned the Provincial Government and Administration, demanding urgent action over the prolonged vacancy in the office of the Provincial Administrator.

The chiefs gathered outside the Provincial Administration this Tuesday morning, where they staged a peaceful customary protest by placing a taboo marker - a tanget plant at the entrance to the administration building.

The symbolic act reflected their call for an acting Provincial Administrator to be appointed while the province awaits the appointment of a substantive office holder.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, and chiefs concerned, Makis said people have endured months of disruptions to government services since the Provincial Administrator resigned in June.

They claimed the absence of leadership has negatively affected service delivery across the province.

In the afternoon, the group of chiefs returned with three petition papers, to present it to the government and administration, and at the same time, removed the tanget.

At approximately 3pm, provincial government and administration officials formally received the petition and assured the leaders that it would be tabled at the next Provincial Executive Council meeting before an official response is provided.

The provincial administration and government each contributed K500 cash and one mis each, in recognition of their plight and acknowledgment for removing the taboo from the administration office.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaching an understanding, with the traditional leaders agreeing to await the provincial government's official response while maintaining their call for urgent action to restore effective leadership and improve services for the people of New Ireland.