By BEN BILUA
Gizo
GIZO Town Council is optimistic about delivering two major projects before the end of this year as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve essential services in the provincial capital.
In an interview with Island Sun, Clerk of Gizo Town Council, Mr. Charles Kelly, said the two priority projects are the review of the Gizo and Noro Town Council Ordinance, and the proposal for a proper landfill and cemetery for Gizo.
He said the review of the existing Gizo and Noro Council Ordinance is a complex and demanding process that requires extensive paperwork and legal procedures.
“It will take a legal team to review the existing ordinance, compile a new draft, then submit it to the Attorney General’s Office for scrutiny and endorsement.
“If you look at the process itself, it is huge,” Kelly said.
He said the implementation and harmonisation of the revised ordinance to meet the expectations of both Gizo and Noro towns would be another major undertaking.
According to Kelly, the vision behind the ordinance review is to zone both Gizo and Noro, with elected leaders representing each zone.
“He or she will be acting like the mayor of both councils,” Kelly said.
He said such a structure will provide a clear chain of command within the councils and significantly improve service delivery.
Kelly said the long-term goal is to establish a stand-alone town council with clearly defined responsibilities to support the growth and development of both towns.
“At the moment, Gizo Town Council is a division within the Western Provincial Government. What we want is to establish a stand-alone entity,” he said.
On the proposed landfill and cemetery, Kelly said the plan is still in the pipeline and awaits further discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Western Provincial Government.
“Having a proper cemetery and landfill will be a huge bonus for Gizo as a growing town with an increasing population,” he said.
Kelly expressed confidence that with continued support and collaboration from stakeholders, the council will be able to progress both projects within the year.
Photo: Supplied
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
