Provincial Executive Council (PEC)

Works Manager Collin Dickson addressed the assembly, highlighting the recent collapse of the Uiam Bridge in the Matalai LLG on January 14th, disrupting essential traffic for residents commuting to Namatanai town.

Expressing dismay, the PEC launched an immediate investigation into the incident and demanded accountability from Namatanai Building and Civil Limited (NBC) and contractor David Carrol under the Protection of Transport Infrastructure Act 2010.

Deputy Governor Sammy Missen chaired the meeting in absence of Governor, Sir Julius Chan.

Works Manager Collin Dickson updated the PIC and PEC on current infrastructural projects undertaken and funded by the Chan-Missen government such as upgrade work on Malendok and Boeng roads on Tanga Island and progress on the commencement of the Lihir and Mussau ring roads.

Dickson also announced that the Governor has directed for a facelift of Kavieng town roads including feeder roads into villages such as Kulangit, Omo and Sivasat.

This comes about due to the increasing threats including rapid population growth, climate change and better incentives lucrative fish species that have had an effect on demand for coastal fisheries. By 2030, it is estimated that the demand for coastal fisheries will double, causing a decline in fish stocks.

The Fisheries Management Act 1998 (amended 2015) does not empower provinces, districts and LLGs to manage coastal fisheries and marine resources. It only demarcates the roles and responsibility of the NFA in terms of managing and regulating the fisheries industry.

The suspension was effective as of June 22, 2018.

Vegogo, who was arrested and charged by police on Nov 6, 2017, was sidelined and asked to take paid leave of absence by Department of Personnel Management (DPM) whilst going through Court to defend the charges.

The charges against Vegogo arose when he authorised K168,785 of non-discretionary funds from the Provincial Support Grants (PSG), without the Resolution of the Joint Provincial Planning and Budget Priority Committee (JPP & BPC) to pay for hire car bills.

Madang Governor Peter Yama said this is very important as there were no PEC meetings because of court cases in relation to election petitions.

He said now that he is being cleared by the court, he will be concentrating in delivering services to his people.

“PEC members play a very important role in the province as they take part in important decision making during the PEC meetings.”

He added that normalcy has been restored in Madang.