SOE powers delegated

The COVID-19 State of Emergency Controller, David Manning, has delegated various powers and responsibilities to provinces, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the National Capital District.

The delegated powers and responsibilities have been gazetted and amongst important responsibilities include implementation of directions issued by the Controller with respect to prevent COVID-19 or its outbreak and its impact, movement of persons, regulation of business and regulation of all modes of transportation.

Manning said this delegation of the Controller's powers to the provinces is an important step towards bringing the country slowly back to normal and the exercise of the powers and responsibilities must only be in accordance with his directions and the directions contained in the emergency orders.

Manning urged provincial administrators and the appointed coordinators, the ABG and NCDC and police personnel in the provinces to carefully read the powers and responsibilities, which also state to work closely with health authorities.

He said this direction restricts any release of media statements or press statements which remain with the Controller on matters relating to COVID-19. He also warned those exercising the delegated powers not to abuse the powers and to work closely with all partners involved in the COVID-19 State of Emergency.

“All actions taken and measures imposed are necessary for achieving the objectives of the emergency laws, are the least restrictive as possible, are the least intrusive and invasive as possible and take into account the human rights of persons affected by the directions,” Manning stated.

He said the Chief Secretary for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the City Manager for the National Capital District have now been delegated the powers and responsibilities of the State of Emergency Controller.

The delegated powers and responsibilities are effective on the date of the Gazettal on Thursday 30th April 2020 and remain for the duration of the State of Emergency period.

Author: 
Press release